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Nigeria Working with Turkey for Safe Return of Smuggled Baby Gorilla
Nigeria Working with Turkey for Safe Return of Smuggled Baby Gorilla
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government said it is working closely with relevant Turkish authorities for the safe return of an endangered baby gorilla, which was intercepted at Istanbul Airport, Turkey, on December 22, 2024.
It was reported that the young 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.
The trafficking of wildlife and especially endangered species is a criminal and illegal act which 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, relevant law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service among others, are currently conducting an investigation to determine the origin of the smuggling attempt and hold those responsible accountable.
A statement on Saturday by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa assured that Nigeria’s government will enhance surveillance at the nation’s airports, seaports, and land borders to prevent future attempts and acts of illegal wildlife trafficking.
The Federal Government also commends the efforts of the Turkish authorities in intercepting this illegal trafficking, and 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.
In the statement, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered wildlife species in line with global environmental treaties, and would evolve proactive modalities to ensure that perpetrators of such illicit activities are met with the full force of the law.
Nigeria Working with Turkey for Safe Return of Smuggled Baby Gorilla
Dismissed soldier surrenders to police over murder case in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
A dismissed soldier, Yemisi Poroye, who is the principal suspect in a conspiracy and murder case reported earlier on June 25 has surrendered to the Police in Ogun state.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect turned himself in at about 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, following intensified police efforts to track him down.
The sources said that three other suspects earlier arrested in connection with the case, along with relevant exhibits, had already been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Abeokuta, for discreet investigation.
The sources added that the circumstances surrounding the murder and the dismissed soldier’s alleged role are currently under investigation.
Dismissed soldier surrenders to police over murder case in Ogun
Troops repel coordinated attacks on three Plateau communities
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) along with other security forces, successfully repelled coordinated attacks on three communities in Riyom Local Government Area by gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias.
Zagazola Makama report that the affected communities Rim, Angwan Wereng, and Cum came under attack between 10:50 p.m. and 11:40 p.m. on Thursday night.
The troops responded promptly to distress calls and engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee the area.
“On receipt of the information, army troops and other sister security agencies moved swiftly to the scenes and repelled the attackers,”said the sources.
No official casualties were confirmed as of the time of this report, but the situation is said to be under control while normalcy has returned to the affected areas.
Troops repel coordinated attacks on three Plateau communities
Gunmen abduct Fulani leader in Kogi, injure wife and son
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men have abducted a Fulani community leader, Mallam Iliyasu, during a midnight attack on his residence at the Fulani Camp in Shagari Village, Lokoja, Kogi State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident, which occurred around 12:20 a.m. on Thursday, also left two of his family members his wife and his son, Abdulsalam with gunshot wounds to the arm and leg, respectively.
The sources said the attackers stormed the home, fired several shots into the air, and forcefully took the community leader to an unknown destination. The assailants also reportedly injured the victims while trying to resist the abduction.
Both injured victims were taken to Ashafa Hospital for medical attention, where they are said to be responding to treatment.
Seventeen expended AK-47 ammunition shells were recovered from the scene of the attack by security forces.
A relative of the abducted victim, Alhaji Ahmadu Yusuf, confirmed the incident and appealed for urgent intervention to secure his release.
Gunmen abduct Fulani leader in Kogi, injure wife and son
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