Customs Repatriates Rescued Baby Gorilla to Congo

By Ladan Muhammad Nasidi

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

The operation, which took place between September 22 and 28, 2026, involved the interception, rescue, rehabilitation and eventual repatriation of the gorilla from Nigeria to the Réserve Naturelle de Tchimpounga in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo.

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

Following a DNA test that confirmed that Bili originated from the Republic of Congo, arrangements were made for her transfer from Calabar to Lagos and subsequent airlift to Congo by DHL at no cost. She was accompanied by a caregiver and a veterinary doctor.

The Nigeria Customs Service said the repatriation was carried out in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), under which gorillas are listed in Appendix I and receive the highest level of protection.

According to the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, the operation demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species.

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

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

Among the items seized during the period were 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales, 48 elephant tusks and 219.05 kilogrammes of worked ivory.

The Service also reported the rescue of pangolins, primates, lion cubs, hyenas, crowned cranes, tortoises, gorillas and chimpanzees. In September alone, officers intercepted 440 African mud turtles and 90 ostrich chicks.

Maiwada said the Service would continue to strengthen its capacity and partnerships to disrupt wildlife trafficking networks and ensure rescued animals receive appropriate care and are returned safely to their countries of origin.

He acknowledged the support 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.

«“The Service is not only focused on revenue generation but also on national security and the protection of the environment,” Maiwada stated.»

He urged members of the public to report information concerning illegal wildlife trade to the nearest Customs formation.