The Nigeria Customs Service has repatriated Bili, a rescued female baby gorilla, to the Republic of Congo in what it described as its first full-cycle international wildlife operation.
The exercise, which took place from 22 to 28 September 2026, covered the interception, rescue, rehabilitation and safe return of a trafficked animal to the Réserve Naturelle de Tchimpounga in Pointe-Noire, Congo.
Customs officers rescued Bili in August 2023 during an enforcement operation against wildlife trafficking. She was subsequently placed under the care of the Pandrillus Foundation in Calabar, where she underwent rehabilitation.
A DNA test later established that Bili originated from the Republic of Congo. Following the confirmation, arrangements were made to transport her from Calabar to Lagos before she was flown to Congo.
DHL provided the air transportation at no cost. Bili was accompanied by a caregiver and a veterinary doctor to ensure her safety during the journey.
The repatriation was carried out with the support of the CITES Management Authority under the Federal Ministry of Environment. Gorillas are listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which provides the highest level of protection for species threatened with extinction.
The Customs Service said Bili’s return reflected Nigeria’s commitment to protecting endangered wildlife and enforcing its international obligations under CITES. It also demonstrated the importance of cooperation among government agencies, conservation organisations, transport companies and foreign authorities in combating wildlife trafficking.
Between January and September 2026, the Special Wildlife Office of the Customs Intelligence Unit and various Customs Area Commands recorded 22 wildlife seizures, rescued 699 live animals and arrested 11 suspects linked to illegal wildlife trade.
During the period, officers seized 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales, 48 elephant tusks and 219.05 kilogrammes of worked ivory. The enforcement operations were conducted in Ogun, Kano, Borno, Yobe, Calabar, Taraba, Kaduna and Lagos, among other locations.
The rescued and intercepted animals included pangolins, primates, lion cubs, hyenas, crowned cranes, tortoises, gorillas and chimpanzees. In September, Customs officers also intercepted 440 African mud turtles and 90 ostrich chicks.
The service acknowledged the contributions 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 to Bili’s safe return.
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed that its responsibilities extend beyond revenue collection to include national security and environmental protection.
The service urged members of the public to provide information on illegal wildlife trafficking to the nearest Customs formation.