The Nigerian government is collaborating with Turkish authorities to ensure the safe return of a baby gorilla intercepted at Istanbul Airport on December 22, 2024. This was confirmed by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement released on Saturday.
The baby gorilla, which had been illegally smuggled out of Nigeria and was en route to Bangkok, Thailand, was discovered during a routine inspection by Turkish officials.
The statement emphasized that the trafficking of endangered species is a grave crime, violating both Nigerian and international laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
This baby gorilla, listed as critically endangered under CITES Appendix I, is strictly protected, with trade only permitted for conservation or scientific purposes.
In response to the incident, Nigerian authorities, including the Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, have initiated investigations to identify those responsible for the smuggling attempt and ensure they are held accountable.
“The Nigerian government is working closely with Turkish authorities to facilitate the safe return of the baby gorilla. In addition, Nigerian law enforcement agencies are investigating the origins of the smuggling and will take action against those responsible,” the statement said.
The Nigerian government also pledged to enhance monitoring at the country’s airports, seaports, and land borders to prevent similar incidents in the future. Furthermore, the Nigerian Embassy in Ankara has been instructed to work closely with Turkish officials to ensure the gorilla’s safe return.
Reaffirming its commitment to wildlife conservation, the Nigerian government vowed to take firm action against individuals involved in wildlife trafficking.
“The Nigerian government will bolster surveillance at key entry points and take decisive steps to ensure that those engaged in illegal wildlife trafficking face the full consequences of the law,” the statement concluded.
