Nigeria Customs Repatriates Rescued Baby gorilla (BILI) to the Republic of Congo in First Full-Cycle International Wildlife Operation

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Special Wildlife Office (SWO) under the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), repatriated Bili, a rescued female baby gorilla, from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to the Republic of Congo, in an exercise that took place from 22nd to 28th September 2026.
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The operation is the Service’s first international full-cycle wildlife operation, covering interception, rescue, rehabilitation, and the safe return of a trafficked animal to the Réserve Naturelle de Tchimpounga, Département du Kouilou, Pointe-Noire, in the Republic of Congo.

It is pertinent to note that Bili was rescued in August 2023 by officers of the Service during enforcement operations against wildlife trafficking and subsequently placed under the care of the Pandrillus Foundation, Calabar, for rehabilitation. After a DNA test confirmed Bili is from the Republic of Congo, officials arranged his repatriation from Calabar to Lagos, then airlifted him to the Congo by DHL at no cost, accompanied by a caregiver and a veterinary doctor. In line with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the repatriation was supported by the CITES Management Authority under the Federal Ministry of Environment, as the gorilla (Bili) is listed under Appendix I of CITES and is therefore afforded the highest level of protection as a species threatened with extinction.

Moreover, as a signatory to CITES, Nigeria continues to demonstrate its commitment to the protection of endangered species and the responsible enforcement of international wildlife protection obligations. Through the SWO, the Service remains committed to strengthening its enforcement capabilities to disrupt wildlife trafficking networks and to building partnerships that ensure rescued animals receive proper care and are safely returned to their appropriate destinations and natural habitats. Bili’s repatriation therefore represents the culmination of interception, rescue, rehabilitation, and international cooperation in protecting endangered wildlife.

Furthermore, this repatriation comes amid intensified enforcement against illegal wildlife trade. Between January and September 2026, the SWO and Customs Area Commands recorded 22 wildlife seizures, rescued 699 live animals and arrested 11 suspects. The seizures included 220 kilogrammes of pangolin scales, 48 elephant tusks and 219.05 kilogrammes of worked ivory, alongside various live endangered and protected species intercepted across different locations. Enforcement operations during the period included seizures and rescues in Ogun, Kano, Borno/Yobe, Calabar, Taraba, Kaduna, and Lagos, among other locations.

Notable interventions included the rescue of pangolins, primates, lion cubs, hyenas, crowned cranes, tortoises, gorillas and chimpanzees, as well as the interception of 440 African mud turtles and 90 ostrich chicks in September. The operations also led to arrests linked to wildlife trafficking, further demonstrating the Service’s sustained efforts to disrupt the illegal wildlife trade.

Customs

The Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and his management team acknowledges the invaluable 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 for welcoming Bili home, while reaffirming that the Service is not only focused on revenue generation but also on national security and the protection of the environment and urges members of the public to report any information on illegal wildlife trade to the nearest Customs formation.

ABDULLAHI MAIWADA, PhD, mnipr, mniia
Deputy Comptroller of Customs
National Public Relations Officer
for Comptroller-General of Customs
30 September, 2026
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United States Backs Nigeria’s Acquisition of 12 Attack Helicopters

The United States and Nigeria are advancing security cooperation, with the planned acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper helicopters by Nigeria expected to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.
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The United States Mission in Nigeria disclosed this in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday, describing the proposed acquisition as part of ongoing efforts by both countries to address current and emerging security threats.

The post reads, “U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation continues to advance our shared efforts to strengthen regional security.

“The planned acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper helicopters underscores both countries’ commitment to building Nigeria’s defence capabilities and addressing current and emerging threats together.”

The Mission stated that the United States valued its continued security partnership with Nigeria in promoting regional peace and stability.

“The United States values continued cooperation with Nigeria in support of peace, security, and stability,” the post added.

The planned acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters is part of a broader US-Nigeria defence partnership that has included military equipment, training and programmes aimed at improving Nigeria’s capacity to counter terrorism and other security threats.

Recall that the United States has described Nigeria as an important security partner in Africa, with cooperation covering counterterrorism, maritime and border security, military professionalisation and defence trade.

The package included 28 T700-GE-401C engines, 2,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance sections, logistics support and training.

United States Backs Nigeria

The US said the proposed sale was intended to improve Nigeria’s ability to contribute to shared security objectives, promote regional stability and strengthen interoperability with the US and other Western partners.

The helicopter deal followed earlier US military assistance to Nigeria, including the 2017 sale of 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for $497m.

According to the US State Department, Nigeria made its first payment for the 12 AH-1Z helicopters in August 2023.
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NIDO UK Chapter Rejects Unauthorised Claims to Speak for the Global Diaspora and Reaffirms its Support for NIDCOM

The NIDO UK Chapter has noted the publication of a statement issued certain individuals under the banner of “NIDO Worldwide” regarding observations contained in the Auditor-General for the Federation’s Annual Report relating to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
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As Chairman of NIDO UK Chapter, I wish to state clearly that the publication does not represent the views, position or authority of NIDO UK Chapter. Neither the Chapter nor its members have mandated any individual or body to speak on their behalf in relation to this matter.

NIDO UK Chapter fully supports transparency, accountability and good governance within all public institutions. We respect the constitutional role of the Auditor-General for the Federation, the National Assembly and all competent oversight authorities charged with ensuring public accountability. However, it is equally important that due process, fairness and institutional integrity are upheld at all times.

We are concerned by attempts by certain individuals and groups to create the impression that they possess a universal mandate to represent Nigerians in the diaspora worldwide. The Nigerian diaspora is diverse, independent and globally dispersed. No individual or self-appointed body can legitimately claim to speak on behalf of all diaspora organisations, communities or NIDO chapters without a clearly established, recognized and democratically conferred mandate.

The publication in question appears designed not merely to comment on audit observations but to project the authority of a purported global structure whose representative status remains disputed by many diaspora stakeholders. NIDO UK Chapter does not recognize any such body as possessing authority to formulate policy positions or issue pronouncements on behalf of independent NIDO chapters across the world.

The issues raised within the Auditor-General’s Report are matters for the appropriate constitutional and statutory institutions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Audit observations are not findings of criminal liability, nor do they constitute proof of wrongdoing by any individual. The proper forum for addressing such matters is through established oversight mechanisms, supported by documentary evidence, professional scrutiny and adherence to due process.

We note that NIDCOM has publicly stated its willingness to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities and to provide any documentation required to address the observations raised. NIDO UK Chapter welcomes this commitment and expects all parties involved to engage constructively, transparently and responsibly throughout the process.

NIDO UK Chapter also wishes to place on record its continued confidence in Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. Since the establishment of NIDCOM, Dr Abilke Dabiri-Erewa has been instrumental in strengthening engagement between Nigeria and its global diaspora, promoting diaspora participation in national development, assisting Nigerians in distress abroad, and elevating diaspora affairs within the national policy framework.

Under her leadership, NIDCOM has become an important bridge between Nigeria and millions of Nigerians living overseas. While no public institution should be exempt from scrutiny, such scrutiny must be objective, evidence-based and conducted through lawful institutions rather than through campaigns that risk undermining public confidence before due process has been completed.

The Nigerian diaspora has long advocated for strong, credible and effective institutions capable of advancing its interests. It is therefore incumbent upon all stakeholders to support accountability without simultaneously weakening the institutions that have been established to serve Nigerians abroad.

NIDO UK Chapter calls upon all diaspora leaders and organisations to exercise restraint, responsibility and respect for established processes. Public discourse should be guided by facts rather than speculation, by unity rather than division, and by a commitment to strengthening institutions rather than politicising them.

Statement by Cllr Taslim Gbaja-Biamila, Chairman, NIDO UK Chapter

“NIDO UK Chapter remains steadfast in its commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability and constructive engagement in all matters affecting Nigerians in the diaspora. However, accountability must be advanced through established constitutional mechanisms, lawful institutions and recognised oversight processes, not through individuals or organisations claiming to speak on behalf of the global diaspora without a clear, legitimate or democratically conferred mandate.

NiDCOM

We support transparency and proper scrutiny of public institutions, but such scrutiny must be conducted responsibly, fairly and without prejudice. Public institutions must be afforded the opportunity to answer questions through the appropriate channels, while oversight bodies must be allowed to discharge their responsibilities without interference or politicisation.

We reaffirm our full support for Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. We remain committed to working with all genuine stakeholders to promote the interests of Nigerians in the diaspora, strengthen our institutions and advance Nigeria’s development through unity, professionalism and constructive engagement.”

Cllr Taslim Gbaja-Biamila Chairman, NIDO UK Chapter
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