Crime
PHOTOS: Customs rescue baby gorilla, arrest suspected wildlife trafficker in Kano
The Nigeria Customs Service has arrested a suspected wildlife trafficker and rescued a captive baby gorilla during a raid in Kofar Mata, Kano State, in what it described as a major breakthrough against an illegal primate trafficking network.
The operation, conducted on July 7 by the NCS Special Wildlife Office of the Customs Intelligence Unit alongside Focused Conservation, the Customs Police Unit and officers of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance, according to a statement shared by the Service on its social media platforms on Thursday.
The rescued gorilla. Photo credit: Customs
Quoting the Officer-in-Charge of the NCS Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Anuhu Mani, the statement said the “rescued infant gorilla had been transferred to veterinary care and is receiving specialised medical attention and rehabilitation.”
Mani said the operation targeted syndicates involved in the illicit trade and supply of protected primates within the Kano axis, adding that the success of the raid demonstrated the value of intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with conservation partners.
“Investigations are actively ongoing as we follow all actionable leads generated from this operation,” he said.
The Customs officer, however, said the Service would not disclose the identity of the suspect or other operational details while investigations continue.
“To preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation and ensure that fleeing members of the trafficking network do not evade justice, the NCS is withholding further operational details, including the identity of the suspect,” Mani stated.
He reiterated the Service’s zero-tolerance policy against wildlife trafficking, saying the NCS remained committed to enforcing endangered species laws and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage.
FOLLOW US ON:
Crime
PHOTOS: “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts: Suspects arrested for alleged thuggery, drug possession – Borno police
The Borno State Police Command has clarified that five suspects arrested in Maiduguri were not prosecuted for wearing “Tinubu Must Go,” T-shirts.
The spokesperson for the command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 following public reactions to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
According to the PPRO, the suspects were arrested over allegations of inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of drug substances.
The Command distances the arrests and prosecution from political discrimination, insisting that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint. Nigeriancultural events
“The attention of the Borno State Police Command has been drawn to the viral reports and widespread public discourse concerning the arrest and subsequent prosecution of five suspects in connection with allegations of inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and being in possession of drug substance,” the statement read.
“Brief of the Case:On 25 September, 2026, at about 1800hrs, officers of the Command, while on a routine township patrol around West End Roundabout area Maiduguri, apprehended five suspects allegedly involved in conduct capable of causing public disturbance.
“The suspects were found in possession of 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot, one Scissors, two T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
“The suspects were subsequently subjected to preliminary investigation, during which statements were obtained from them.
“Upon completion of the initial investigation, the case was charged to court.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint. Nigeriancultural events
“The Command remains committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability and transparency in the discharge of its responsibilities.
“The Command further emphasizes that the decision to charge the matter before a competent court is intended to allow the appropriate judicial process to take its course.
“Members of the public are therefore urged to rely on verified information and allow the court to determine the matter based on the facts and evidence presented before it.
“The Borno State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property.”
FOLLOW US ON:
The suspects were identified as Zion Danjuma, 20; Looji Augustine, 18; and Isah Mohammed, 23.
The sources said the suspects were subsequently handed over to Keystone B Division, Bukuru, for further investigation and appropriate action.
In a separate operation at about 10:20 a.m. the same day, troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, raided a suspected criminal hideout in Shen village, also in Jos South LGA.
During the operation, the troops arrested a 42-year-old suspect identified as Abdullahi Abdullahi.
The suspect has been profiled by the security forces for further action as investigations continue.
The operations are part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt criminal activities and strengthen security across communities in the Jos South axis.
FOLLOW US ON:
Russia threatens to use nuclear weapons on NATO as tensions rise in the Baltic
HARSH TRUTH: YOUR PAST CAN BECOME YOUR PRISON!
SEE FULL LIST: Five EU nations plan deportation centres in Africa
‘Sleeping Prince’ of Saudi Arabia dies after 20 years in coma
2027: Atiku delays ADC membership card collection amid rumoured Jonathan comeback
How A Class Of 24 Students Produced 2 Presidents, 4 Governors, 2 Ministers, 4 Emirs, 3 Justices, 4 Ambassadors and Other Influential Leaders
-
News8 hours agoNigeria @66: NLC demands new minimum wage, lower petrol prices
-
Crime7 hours ago
Court remands ‘fake’ agency DG in Kuje Prison
-
Crime6 hours ago
PHOTOS: “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts: Suspects arrested for alleged thuggery, drug possession – Borno police
-
News8 hours ago
Nigeria @ 66: Dashed hopes, fragile future
-
Crime7 hours ago
Again, court martial defers ruling on Coup trial
-
Crime7 hours ago
Navy recovers 80,000 litres of stolen crude, arrests three
-
Sports6 hours ago
Michael Jordan’s ‘last dance’ jersey sells for record $12.3m – Report reveals
-
News6 hours ago
Nigeria @66: Keep hope alive, Kebbi gov urges Nigerians
