The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced it is working with Turkish authorities to ensure the safe return of a baby gorilla intercepted at Istanbul Airport on December 22, 2024.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government emphasized that the trafficking of endangered species is a severe crime that violates both Nigerian and international laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
The baby gorilla, which was smuggled from Nigeria, was en route to Bangkok, Thailand when it was discovered during a routine inspection by Turkish officials. The animal, classified as critically endangered under CITES Appendix I, is subject to a strict ban on trade unless for conservation or scientific purposes.
Following the discovery, Nigerian law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, have launched an investigation into the origins of the smuggling attempt. Efforts are also underway to identify and hold those responsible accountable.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria is working closely with relevant Turkish authorities for the safe return of an endangered baby gorilla, which was intercepted at Istanbul Airport, Turkey, on 22 December 2024,” the statement read. “To prevent such criminal acts, relevant law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, among others, are currently conducting an investigation to determine the origin of the smuggling attempt and hold those responsible accountable.”
To prevent future incidents, the Nigerian government has pledged to enhance surveillance at the country’s airports, seaports, and land borders. Furthermore, the Nigerian Embassy in Ankara has been instructed to work closely with Turkish authorities to facilitate the safe return of the baby gorilla to Nigeria.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered wildlife, stressing that it will take strong action against individuals involved in illegal wildlife trafficking.
“Consequently, the Government will enhance surveillance at the nation’s airports, seaports, and land borders to prevent future attempts and acts of illegal wildlife trafficking,” the statement concluded. “The Federal Government also commends the efforts of the Turkish authorities in intercepting this illegal trafficking, and directs the Embassy of Nigeria in Ankara to continue to interface with the host authorities to ensure the safe return of the baby gorilla to Nigeria. Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered wildlife species in line with global environmental treaties, and would evolve proactive modalities to ensure that perpetrators of such illicit activities are met with the full force of the law.”