By Ado Oyeyemi
The Nigeria Customs Service has arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker and rescued a baby gorilla during a raid in Kofar Mata, Kano State, in what authorities described as a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking.
The operation, carried out on July 7, was led by the Special Wildlife Office of the Customs Intelligence Unit in collaboration with Focused Conservation, the Customs Police Unit and officers of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command.
According to the service, the raid followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting an alleged wildlife trafficking network.
Speaking on the operation, the Officer in Charge of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani, disclosed that the rescued infant gorilla had been transferred to veterinary specialists for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
He explained that the operation was aimed at dismantling syndicates involved in the illegal trade and distribution of protected primates within Kano and its environs, noting that the success of the raid underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and collaboration with conservation partners.
Mani added that investigations were ongoing to uncover other members of the trafficking network and pursue fresh leads generated during the operation.
He, however, declined to reveal the identity of the arrested suspect or provide additional operational details, citing the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
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The Customs officer reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking, stressing that the agency maintains a zero tolerance stance against crimes involving endangered species and remains dedicated to enforcing relevant laws aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity and natural heritage.
