The Nigeria Customs Service has successfully repatriated Bili, a female baby gorilla, to her country of origin, the Republic of Congo. The operation, which took place between September 22 and 28, 2026, involved the interception, rescue, rehabilitation, and international repatriation of the gorilla. Bili was rescued in August 2023 by Customs officers during an enforcement operation against wildlife trafficking.
After her rescue, Bili was placed under the care of the Pandrillus Foundation in Calabar for rehabilitation. A DNA test later confirmed that the gorilla originated from the Republic of Congo, paving the way for her repatriation. The Nigeria Customs Service worked with the CITES Management Authority under the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure the repatriation was carried out in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Bili was transported from Calabar to Lagos, where she was airlifted to Congo by DHL at no cost, accompanied by a caregiver and a veterinary doctor. The repatriation was a significant milestone for the Nigeria Customs Service, demonstrating the country's commitment to international wildlife protection obligations. Gorillas are listed under Appendix I of CITES, which provides the highest level of protection to species threatened with extinction.
The Nigeria Customs Service's Special Wildlife Office (SWO) has been strengthening enforcement against trafficking networks, working with conservation organisations and international partners to ensure rescued animals receive appropriate care and are returned to their countries of origin. Between January and September 2026, the SWO and Customs Area Commands recorded 22 wildlife seizures, rescuing 699 live animals and arresting 11 suspects.
The seizures included 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales, 48 elephant tusks, and 219.05 kilogrammes of worked ivory, with enforcement operations carried out in several states across the country. The Customs Service's interventions during this period also resulted in the rescue of various endangered species, including pangolins, primates, lion cubs, hyenas, crowned cranes, tortoises, gorillas, and chimpanzees.
In September alone, officers intercepted 440 African mud turtles and 90 ostrich chicks as part of efforts to curb the illegal wildlife trade. The Nigeria Customs Service acknowledged the contributions of several organisations and individuals to Bili's safe return, including the Pandrillus Foundation, DHL, and the government of the Republic of Congo.
The Service's Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised that the Customs Service's mandate extends beyond revenue collection to include national security and environmental protection. The Service urged members of the public to provide information on suspected illegal wildlife trade to the nearest Customs formation, highlighting the importance of public cooperation in combating wildlife trafficking.
Key points
- The Nigeria Customs Service has repatriated a rescued baby gorilla to the Republic of Congo after a three-year rehabilitation.
- The operation marked the country's first full-cycle international wildlife operation, demonstrating Nigeria's commitment to international wildlife protection obligations.
- The Customs Service has intensified wildlife trafficking enforcement, recording 22 wildlife seizures and rescuing 699 live animals between January and September 2026.
