The Nigerian government has partnered with Turkish authorities to ensure the safe return of a baby gorilla that was smuggled out of Nigeria and intercepted at Istanbul Airport on December 22, 2024.
This was revealed in a statement by the Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Saturday. The statement emphasized that wildlife trafficking is a serious crime that violates both Nigerian and international laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria is working closely with relevant Turkish authorities for the safe return of an endangered baby gorilla, which was intercepted at Istanbul Airport, Turkey, on 22 December 2024,” the statement read.
The baby gorilla, which was being transported illegally to Bangkok, Thailand, was discovered during a routine inspection by Turkish officials. It is classified as critically endangered under CITES Appendix I, which means its trade is strictly prohibited unless for conservation or scientific purposes.
In response to the incident, the Nigerian government has launched an investigation through law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, to identify the smugglers and hold them accountable.
“To prevent such criminal acts, relevant law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, among others, are currently conducting an investigation to determine the origin of the smuggling attempt and hold those responsible accountable,” the statement added.
To prevent future wildlife trafficking, the government has pledged to strengthen security and surveillance at airports, seaports, and land borders. It also directed the Nigerian Embassy in Ankara to continue working with Turkish officials to facilitate the baby gorilla’s safe return.
The statement further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental protection, stressing that strict measures will be taken against those engaged in illegal wildlife trade.
“Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered wildlife species in line with global environmental treaties, and would evolve proactive modalities to ensure that perpetrators of such illicit activities are met with the full force of the law,” the government stated.
The Nigerian government also commended the Turkish authorities for their swift action in intercepting the smuggled gorilla and preventing its illegal transport to another country.
