The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has repatriated Bili, a rescued female baby gorilla, to the Republic of Congo following a landmark international wildlife operation that spanned interception, rescue, rehabilitation and safe return.
The operation, conducted from September 22 to 28, 2026, was coordinated by the NCS Special Wildlife Office (SWO) under the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), with Bili departing through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The Service described the exercise as its first full cycle international wildlife operation, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s enforcement of international obligations against wildlife trafficking and the protection of endangered species.
Bili was rescued by Customs officers in August 2023 during an enforcement operation targeting illegal wildlife trafficking. She was subsequently transferred to the care of the Pandrillus Foundation in Calabar, Cross River State, where she underwent rehabilitation.
Following a DNA test that established Bili’s origin as the Republic of Congo, arrangements were made for her return to the country. She was transported from Calabar to Lagos before being airlifted to Congo by DHL at no cost to the operation.
Bili travelled with a caregiver and veterinary doctor to ensure her welfare throughout the journey. Her repatriation was supported by the CITES Management Authority under the Federal Ministry of Environment, in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The gorilla is listed under Appendix I of CITES, which provides the highest level of international protection for species threatened with extinction. Nigeria’s participation in the convention places obligations on relevant authorities to combat illegal trade in protected wildlife.
The Customs Service said Bili’s return demonstrated the importance of cooperation among enforcement agencies, conservation organisations and international partners in tackling wildlife trafficking and ensuring rescued animals receive appropriate care.
The operation also comes against the backdrop of intensified wildlife enforcement by the Service. Between January and September 2026, the Special Wildlife Office and Customs Area Commands recorded 22 wildlife seizures, rescued 699 live animals and arrested 11 suspects.
The seizures during the period included 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales, 48 elephant tusks and 219.05 kilogrammes of worked ivory. Enforcement operations were recorded in Ogun, Kano, Borno, Yobe, Calabar, Taraba, Kaduna and Lagos, among other locations.
Other rescued or intercepted species included pangolins, primates, lion cubs, hyenas, crowned cranes, tortoises, gorillas and chimpanzees. In September alone, Customs officers also intercepted 440 African mud turtles and 90 ostrich chicks as part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal wildlife trade.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team commended 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 support. The Service urged members of the public to report suspected cases of illegal wildlife trafficking to the nearest Customs formation, stressing that its mandate extends beyond revenue collection to include national security and environmental protection.