The federal government says it will partner with relevant Turkish authorities to ensure that the endangered baby gorilla intercepted on Dec. 22, 2024 at Istanbul Airport, Turkey, returns safely to Nigeria.
The minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, gave the assurance in a statement signed by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the ministry, on Saturday.
Mr Tuggar said that the gorilla, which was reported to have been smuggled from Nigeria and on transit to Bangkok, Thailand, was discovered by Turkish authorities during a routine inspection.
“Trafficking of wildlife, especially endangered species, is a criminal and illegal act that clearly violates both national and international laws, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
“The baby gorilla is classified under CITES Appendix I, as critically endangered and any trade in this species is strictly prohibited, except under exceptional circumstances for conservation or scientific purposes.
“To prevent such criminal acts, law enforcement agencies, including the federal ministry of environment and Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service are currently conducting investigations to determine the origin of the smuggling attempt and hold those responsible accountable.
“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.
“Government commends the efforts of the Turkish authorities in intercepting this illegal trafficking.
“It 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,’’ he said.
Mt Tuggar restated the federal government’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and protection of endangered wildlife species, in line with global environmental treaties.
He said that the federal government would evolve proactive modalities to ensure that perpetrators of such illicit activities were met with the full force of the law.
