The Federal Government of Nigeria is actively collaborating with Turkish authorities to secure the safe return of an endangered baby gorilla intercepted at Istanbul Airport, Turkey, on December 22, 2024. The primate, reportedly smuggled from Nigeria and en route to Bangkok, Thailand, was discovered by Turkish officials during a routine inspection.
This development was confirmed in a press statement issued on Saturday, March 29, 2025, by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
Highlighting the gravity of wildlife trafficking, Ebienfa emphasized that such acts are criminal and violate both national and international laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). He noted that the baby gorilla is classified under CITES Appendix I as critically endangered, meaning its trade is strictly prohibited except under exceptional circumstances for conservation or scientific research.
“To curb such illicit activities, relevant law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the origin of the smuggling attempt and hold those responsible accountable,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the government has pledged to enhance surveillance at Nigeria’s airports, seaports, and land borders to prevent future incidents of illegal wildlife trafficking. The Federal Government also commended Turkish authorities for their swift intervention and instructed the Nigerian Embassy in Ankara to continue liaising with local officials to ensure the safe return of the baby gorilla.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered species, the government assured that stringent measures would be implemented to deter and prosecute those engaged in wildlife smuggling.
“Nigeria remains steadfast in its efforts to uphold global environmental treaties and will take decisive action to ensure perpetrators of such illegal activities face the full force of the law,” Ebienfa stated.
