Abuja: The Federal Government has announced a partnership with Turkish authorities to ensure the safe return of an endangered baby gorilla intercepted at Istanbul Airport, Turkey, on December 22, 2024. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, assured on Saturday that efforts are underway to address the smuggling incident.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the gorilla was reportedly smuggled from Nigeria and was en route to Bangkok, Thailand, when Turkish authorities discovered it during a routine inspection. The trafficking of wildlife, particularly endangered species, is illegal and violates both national and international laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The baby gorilla is classified under CITES Appendix I, which strictly prohibits trade in this species, except under exceptional circumstances for conservation or scientific purposes.
To combat such criminal acts, Nigerian law enforcement agencies, along with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, are investigating the smuggling attempt to hold responsible parties accountable. The government plans to enhance surveillance at airports, seaports, and land borders to prevent future occurrences of illegal wildlife trafficking. The Nigerian government commends Turkish authorities for intercepting the illegal trafficking and has instructed the Nigerian Embassy in Ankara to continue interfacing with host authorities to ensure the baby gorilla’s safe return to Nigeria.
Tuggar reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered wildlife species, aligning with global environmental treaties. He emphasized the government’s commitment to developing proactive strategies to ensure that those involved in illicit activities face the full extent of the law.