Nigeria, Turkey Mull Return of Smuggled Baby Gorilla

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, World News Saturday, March 29th, 2025

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Federal Government and the Turkish authorities are planning on the safe return of a baby gorilla intercepted at Istanbul Airport on December 22, 2024.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Saturday.

According to available information, the baby gorilla, which was illegally smuggled from Nigeria and was en route to Bangkok, Thailand, was found in a routine inspection by Turkish officials.

According to the statement, the trafficking of endangered species is a terrible crime that goes against both Nigerian and international laws and also the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

The statement said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria is working closely with relevant Turkish authorities for the safe return of an endangered baby gorilla, which was intercepted at Istanbul Airport, Turkey, on 22 December 2024.

“To prevent such criminal acts, relevant law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, among others, are currently conducting an investigation to determine the origin of the smuggling attempt and hold those responsible accountable.”

To stop future incidents, the government has assured that there will be an increase in surveillance at the nation’s airports, seaports, and land borders.

Also, the Nigerian Embassy in Ankara has been directed to work closely with Turkish authorities to make sure of the safe return of the baby gorilla to Nigeria.

“Consequently, the Government will enhance surveillance at the nation’s airports, seaports, and land borders to prevent future attempts and acts of illegal wildlife trafficking.

“The Federal Government also commends the efforts of the Turkish authorities in intercepting this illegal trafficking, and directs the Embassy of Nigeria in Ankara to continue to interface with the host authorities to ensure the safe return of the baby gorilla to Nigeria.

“Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered wildlife species in line with global environmental treaties, and would evolve proactive modalities to ensure that perpetrators of such illicit activities are met with the full force of the law,” the statement concluded.