The Federal Government has initiated a collaboration with Turkish authorities to facilitate the safe return of a baby gorilla intercepted at Istanbul Airport on December 22, 2024.

A statement issued by the Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Saturday, confirmed that the animal had been illegally smuggled from Nigeria and was en route to Bangkok, Thailand, when Turkish officials discovered it during a routine inspection.

Illegal wildlife trafficking is a severe crime that contravenes both Nigerian laws and international conventions, particularly the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The statement further highlighted that the baby gorilla falls under CITES Appendix I, which strictly prohibits its trade except for conservation or scientific purposes.

In response to the incident, Nigerian authorities, including the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, have commenced investigations to trace the origins of the smuggling attempt and apprehend those responsible.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria is working in close collaboration with relevant Turkish authorities to ensure the safe return of the endangered baby gorilla, which was intercepted at Istanbul Airport on December 22, 2024,” the statement noted.

To curb future occurrences, the government has pledged to strengthen surveillance mechanisms across the nation’s airports, seaports, and land borders. Additionally, the Nigerian Embassy in Ankara has been directed to liaise with Turkish authorities to guarantee the animal’s safe return.

Commending the Turkish government for intercepting the illicit trafficking, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation and wildlife protection in alignment with global environmental treaties. The Federal Government vowed to implement stringent measures to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and ensure that perpetrators face the full wrath of the law.

“As a preventive measure, the government will enhance surveillance at the country’s entry points to curb illegal wildlife trafficking. The Federal Government also appreciates the efforts of the Turkish authorities and has mandated the Nigerian Embassy in Ankara to maintain active engagement with Turkish officials to facilitate the safe return of the baby gorilla.

“Nigeria remains committed to the preservation of its biodiversity and the protection of endangered species, in line with international environmental agreements. The government will continue to adopt proactive strategies to bring offenders to justice,” the statement concluded.