Customs Repatriates Baby Gorilla After 3 Years In Nigeria

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has repatriated Bili, a rescued female baby gorilla, to the Republic of Congo after spending three years in Nigeria following her interception during an anti-wildlife trafficking operation.

The gorilla, rescued by Customs officers in August 2023, was rehabilitated under the care of the Pandrillus Foundation in Calabar before being returned to her country of origin after DNA testing confirmed that she was from the Republic of Congo.

The repatriation, which took place between September 22 and 28, 2026, marked the NCS’s first international full-cycle wildlife operation, covering the interception, rescue, rehabilitation and eventual return of a trafficked animal to its appropriate destination.

In a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, the successful operation demonstrated the Service’s expanding role in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species.

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Maiwada said Bili was moved from Calabar to Lagos before being airlifted from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport to the Republic of Congo by DHL, at no cost to the Service.

He said the gorilla travelled with a caregiver and a veterinary doctor to ensure her safety throughout the journey and facilitate a smooth transition upon arrival.

According to him, the repatriation was carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), with the support of the CITES Management Authority under the Federal Ministry of Environment.

Maiwada explained that gorillas are listed under Appendix I of CITES and therefore enjoy the highest level of protection because of the threat of extinction facing the species.

He said the operation underscored Nigeria’s commitment, as a signatory to CITES, to fulfilling its international obligations on the protection of endangered wildlife.

“Bili’s repatriation represents the culmination of interception, rescue, rehabilitation and international cooperation in protecting endangered wildlife,” Maiwada said.

He added that through its Special Wildlife Office (SWO), under the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), the Service was strengthening its capacity to disrupt wildlife trafficking networks while working with relevant domestic and international partners to ensure rescued animals receive appropriate care.

The NCS spokesperson said the successful return of Bili was also a demonstration that Customs’ responsibilities extend beyond revenue collection to include national security and environmental protection.

The development comes amid intensified enforcement against the illegal wildlife trade by the Service.

Maiwada disclosed that between January and September 2026, the Special Wildlife Office and various Customs Area Commands recorded 22 wildlife seizures, rescued 699 live animals and arrested 11 suspects linked to wildlife trafficking.

He said the seizures included 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales, 48 elephant tusks and 219.05 kilogrammes of worked ivory.

According to him, the enforcement operations were carried out across several locations, including Ogun, Kano, Borno/Yobe, Calabar, Taraba, Kaduna and Lagos.

The operations also resulted in the rescue of several endangered and protected species, including pangolins, primates, lion cubs, hyenas, crowned cranes, tortoises, gorillas and chimpanzees.

Maiwada further disclosed that Customs officers intercepted 440 African mud turtles and 90 ostrich chicks in September alone, alongside other interventions against wildlife trafficking.

He said the arrests made during the operations further demonstrated the Service’s determination to dismantle networks involved in the illegal trade in endangered species.

Maiwada, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the NCS management team, acknowledged the contributions of the Pandrillus Foundation, DHL, Focused Conservation, the Aspinall Wildlife Trust, the CITES Desk of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Government of the Republic of Congo to Bili’s safe return.

He said the collaboration among the organisations was critical to completing the repatriation process and ensuring that Bili was safely returned to her country of origin.

“The Nigeria Customs Service is not only focused on revenue generation but also on national security and the protection of the environment,” Maiwada said.

He urged members of the public to provide relevant information on suspected cases of illegal wildlife trafficking to the nearest Customs formation, stressing that public cooperation remained essential to protecting endangered species and disrupting illicit wildlife networks.