Customs Repatriates Rescued Baby Gorilla to Congo


By Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has repatriated a rescued female baby gorilla, Bili, to the Republic of Congo, marking what the Service described as its first full-cycle international wildlife operation.

The NCS disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, by its National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs.

According to the Service, the operation, conducted between September 22 and 28, involved the interception, rescue, rehabilitation and safe return of Bili to the Réserve Naturelle de Tchimpounga in the Kouilou Department of Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo.

A Bili was rescued by Customs officers in August 2023 during an enforcement operation against wildlife trafficking and was subsequently placed under the care of the Pandrillus Foundation in Calabar for rehabilitation.

The Service said a DNA test later confirmed that the gorilla originated from the Republic of Congo, leading to arrangements for her repatriation.

Bili was transported from Calabar to Lagos and subsequently airlifted to Congo by DHL at no cost. She was accompanied by a caregiver and a veterinary doctor.

The repatriation was supported by the CITES Management Authority under the Federal Ministry of Environment, in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The NCS noted that gorillas are listed under Appendix I of CITES and therefore receive the highest level of international protection as species threatened with extinction.

The Service also disclosed that between January and September 2026, its Special Wildlife Office and Customs Area Commands recorded 22 wildlife seizures, rescued 699 live animals and arrested 11 suspects in connection with wildlife trafficking.

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

Other enforcement operations resulted in the rescue of pangolins, primates, lion cubs, hyenas, crowned cranes, tortoises, gorillas and chimpanzees, while 440 African mud turtles and 90 ostrich chicks were intercepted in September.

The Customs Service credited 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 for their support in ensuring Bili's safe return.

The NCS said the operation underscores its broader responsibilities beyond revenue collection, including national security and environmental protection.

It urged members of the public to provide information on illegal wildlife trade to the nearest Customs formation.

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