The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has repatriated a rescued baby gorilla identified as Bili to the Republic of Congo after more than three years of rehabilitation in Nigeria.
The repatriation, which took place between September 22 and 28, 2026, marked the Service’s first full-cycle international wildlife operation, covering Bili’s interception, rescue, rehabilitation and eventual return to her country of origin.
Bili was rescued in August 2023 by Customs officers during an enforcement operation against wildlife trafficking and was subsequently placed under the care of the Pandrillus Foundation in Calabar, Cross River State, for rehabilitation.
Following a DNA test that confirmed that Bili originated from the Republic of Congo, arrangements were made for her transfer from Calabar to Lagos before she was airlifted to the Congo by DHL at no cost.
She was accompanied on the journey by a caregiver and a veterinary doctor to ensure her safety and welfare throughout the transfer.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, said Bili was returned to the Réserve Naturelle de Tchimpounga in Département du Kouilou, Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo.
Maiwada said the operation represented the Customs Service’s first international full-cycle wildlife operation, involving the interception, rescue, rehabilitation and safe repatriation of a trafficked animal.
He said the repatriation was carried out in line with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and supported by the CITES Management Authority under the Federal Ministry of Environment.
According to him, Bili, as a gorilla listed under Appendix I of CITES, is afforded the highest level of international protection because the species is threatened with extinction.
The Customs Service said Nigeria’s participation in CITES demonstrated its commitment to protecting endangered species and fulfilling its international obligations on wildlife conservation.
Through its Special Wildlife Office under the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Service said it was strengthening enforcement against wildlife trafficking while developing partnerships to ensure rescued animals received appropriate care and were safely returned to their countries of origin or suitable natural habitats.
Customs said Bili’s repatriation marked the culmination of a process involving law enforcement, wildlife rehabilitation, scientific identification and international cooperation.
The Service also acknowledged the support of 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 in facilitating Bili’s return.
Meanwhile, Customs said the repatriation came amid intensified enforcement against the illegal wildlife trade across the country.
According to the statement, 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 in connection with wildlife trafficking.
The seizures included 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales, 48 elephant tusks and 219.05 kilogrammes of worked ivory, alongside various endangered and protected species intercepted at different locations.
The enforcement operations were carried out across Ogun, Kano, Borno/Yobe, Calabar, Taraba, Kaduna and Lagos, among other locations.
Customs said its interventions during the period resulted in the rescue of pangolins, primates, lion cubs, hyenas, crowned cranes, tortoises, gorillas and chimpanzees, among other protected species.
In September alone, the Service also intercepted 440 African mud turtles and 90 ostrich chicks, while several arrests were made in connection with suspected wildlife trafficking.
The Service said the operations demonstrated its continued efforts to disrupt illegal wildlife-trafficking networks and protect endangered species, adding that its responsibilities extended beyond revenue collection to include national security and environmental protection.
It urged members of the public with information about illegal wildlife trade to report such activities to the nearest Customs formation.