The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has repatriated Bili, a rescued female baby gorilla, to the Republic of Congo after completing what it described as its first full-cycle international wildlife operation.
Bili was rescued by Customs officers in August 2023 during an operation against wildlife trafficking and was subsequently rehabilitated by the Pandrillus Foundation in Calabar, Cross River State.
The NCS said Bili was repatriated between September 22 and 28, 2026, from Calabar through Lagos to the Réserve Naturelle de Tchimpounga in Pointe-Noire, Congo. A DNA test had confirmed that the gorilla originated from the Republic of Congo.
The animal was airlifted to Congo by DHL at no cost, accompanied by a caregiver and veterinary doctor. The repatriation was supported by the CITES Management Authority under the Federal Ministry of Environment, as gorillas are listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
According to the Customs Service, the operation covered the complete wildlife protection cycle—from interception and rescue to rehabilitation and international repatriation.
The Service also disclosed that its Special Wildlife Office and Customs Area Commands recorded 22 wildlife seizures, rescued 699 live animals and arrested 11 suspects between January and September 2026.
The seizures included 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales, 48 elephant tusks and 219.05 kilogrammes of worked ivory.
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.
The NCS 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.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species, urging members of the public to report information on illegal wildlife trade to the nearest Customs formation.
