The Federal Government has announced its collaboration with Turkish authorities to ensure the safe return of an endangered baby gorilla intercepted at Istanbul Airport on December 22, 2024.
The young gorilla, reportedly smuggled from Nigeria and en route to Bangkok, Thailand, was discovered during a routine inspection by Turkish officials. The trafficking of endangered wildlife violates both national and international laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which strictly prohibits the trade of critically endangered species like gorillas.
In response, Nigerian authorities—including the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service—have launched an investigation to determine the origin of the smuggling attempt and to hold those responsible accountable.
A statement on Saturday by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, assured that the government would strengthen surveillance at airports, seaports, and land borders to prevent future wildlife trafficking. Nigeria also commended the Turkish authorities for intercepting the illegal shipment and directed its embassy in Ankara to continue liaising with local officials to facilitate the gorilla’s safe return.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation and strict enforcement of environmental laws, vowing to take decisive action against wildlife traffickers.
