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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has repatriated Bili, a rescued female baby gorilla, to the Republic of Congo, completing what it described as its first international full-cycle wildlife operation.
The operation, conducted between September 22 and 28, 2026, covered the interception, rescue, rehabilitation and eventual return of the trafficked gorilla to the Réserve Naturelle de Tchimpounga, Département du Kouilou, Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo.
The NCS National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Maiwada said Customs officers rescued Bili in August 2023 during an enforcement operation against wildlife trafficking, after which she was transferred to the Pandrillus Foundation in Calabar for rehabilitation.
He explained that a subsequent DNA test established that the gorilla originated from the Republic of Congo, paving the way for her repatriation.
According to him, Bili was transported from Calabar to Lagos before being airlifted to Congo by DHL at no cost to the Service.
The gorilla was accompanied throughout the journey by a caregiver and a veterinary doctor to ensure her safety and welfare.
The repatriation was facilitated with the support of the CITES Management Authority under the Federal Ministry of Environment and carried out in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Maiwada noted that gorillas are listed under Appendix I of CITES, which provides the highest level of protection for species threatened with extinction.
He said Nigeria's commitment to CITES obligations remained central to its efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.
The Customs spokesman said the Service's Special Wildlife Office (SWO), under the Customs Intelligence Unit, was strengthening its capacity to tackle wildlife trafficking while expanding collaboration with relevant local and international partners.
He described Bili's return as the culmination of a process involving interception, rescue, rehabilitation and international cooperation.
Maiwada disclosed that between January and September 2026, the SWO and Customs Area Commands recorded 22 wildlife seizures, rescued 699 live animals and arrested 11 suspects in connection with wildlife trafficking.
Among the items seized were 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales, 48 elephant tusks and 219.05 kilogrammes of worked ivory.
He said enforcement operations were carried out in Ogun, Kano, Borno/Yobe, Calabar, Taraba, Kaduna and Lagos, among other locations.
According to him, the interventions resulted in the rescue of several endangered and protected species, including pangolins, primates, lion cubs, hyenas, crowned cranes, tortoises, gorillas and chimpanzees.
He added that Customs officers also intercepted 440 African mud turtles and 90 ostrich chicks in September.
The NCS spokesman said the arrests and seizures reflected the Service's efforts to dismantle networks involved in the illegal wildlife trade.
Maiwada expressed appreciation to 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 for their roles in ensuring Bili's safe return.
He reaffirmed that the NCS's responsibilities extended beyond revenue collection to include national security and environmental protection.
He urged members of the public to provide information on suspected illegal wildlife trafficking activities to the nearest Customs formation.