A major breakthrough has disrupted an alleged wildlife trafficking network in northern Nigeria. Customs officers rescued a baby gorilla and arrested a suspected trafficker during a coordinated operation in Kano State.
KANO STATE — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it rescued a captive baby gorilla and arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker during an intelligence-led raid in Kofar Mata, Kano State, on July 7, 2026. According to an official report released on Thursday, July 9, 2026, the operation targeted an alleged illegal primate trafficking network operating within the Kano axis.
Why This Happened
According to Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani, Officer-in-Charge of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, the operation followed several weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance on suspected wildlife traffickers.
The raid was carried out by the NCS Special Wildlife Office under the Customs Intelligence Unit in collaboration with Focused Conservation, the Customs Police Unit, and officers of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command. The operation resulted in the rescue of the infant gorilla and the arrest of one suspect.
What Customs Said
Anuhu Mani said the rescued baby gorilla was immediately taken into veterinary care, where it is receiving specialised medical treatment and rehabilitation.
He added, “Investigations are actively ongoing as we follow all actionable leads generated from this operation.”
The Customs official also explained that the Service is withholding the identity of the suspect and other operational details to protect the integrity of the investigation and prevent other members of the alleged trafficking network from escaping arrest.
Who Is Anuhu Mani?
Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani heads the Nigeria Customs Service Special Wildlife Office, which coordinates intelligence and enforcement operations against wildlife trafficking and related environmental crimes.
The office works with local and international conservation partners to enforce laws protecting endangered species and combat the illegal trade in wildlife across Nigeria’s borders.
What This Means for Nigeria
The development means the Nigeria Customs Service is strengthening efforts to combat wildlife trafficking through intelligence-led operations and partnerships with conservation organisations. It also highlights Nigeria’s commitment to protecting endangered species and enforcing national and international wildlife protection laws as investigations into the trafficking network continue.
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