2 Baby Gorillas & 4 Chimpanzees Among 48 Wild Animals Rescued In Wildlife Trafficking Bust In Nigeria
Photo Credit: Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command
Two baby gorillas and four chimpanzees are among 48 wild animals and birds recovered in Nigeria after authorities uncovered a suspected wildlife trafficking operation that led to the arrest of three individuals.
Officers with the Nigeria Customs Service Kano/Jigawa Area Command located the animals along the Kano–Daura Road at approximately 8:30 p.m. on August 25, 2026, after receiving intelligence about the suspected trafficking activity.
Nigeria Customs reported that the three men allegedly made several attempts to bribe the officers involved in the operation. The officers rejected the alleged bribes and continued with the operation, which resulted in the arrests and recovery of the wildlife.
The suspected trafficking operation involved a wide range of species, including threatened and endangered wildlife. Among those rescued were two baby gorillas, four chimpanzees, four caracals, seven red patas monkeys, two galagos, also known as bush babies, one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet, and 19 greater bustards.
The animals and the three suspects were later transferred to the Special Wildlife Office at Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters as the investigation continued.
The illegal wildlife trade continues to exploit wild animals for profit, putting vulnerable species at risk and taking animals away from the lives they deserve in the wild.
World Animal News and Peace 4 Animals applaud the officers involved in this operation for taking action to protect these precious animals from further exploitation. These baby gorillas, chimpanzees, and all wild animals deserve to live protected from harm — wild and free.
