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Nigeria Working with Turkey for Safe Return of Smuggled Baby Gorilla

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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

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Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

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Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt and rescued a gunshot-wounded victim along the Rafin Sanyi axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6 OPEP, deployed at Sopp, responded to a distress report at about 9:40 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, after suspected kidnappers blocked the road in the area.

The swift intervention of the troops reportedly forced the criminals to flee before they could carry out their operation.
The troops subsequently combed the area and rescued one occupant of a Sharon vehicle who had sustained a gunshot wound.

The victim was evacuated to the Nigerian Army Medical Outpost at Tigi, where he received first aid treatment.

Troops have continued to dominate the general area through fighting patrols to prevent the criminals from regrouping and forestall further attacks.

Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

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Troops Raid Jos Hotel, Arrest Five Suspects Over Phone Snatching, Recover 26 Phones

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Troops Raid Jos Hotel, Arrest Five Suspects Over Phone Snatching, Recover 26 Phones

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have raided a hotel along Baring Road in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, arresting five suspected criminals and recovering 26 mobile phones and other items.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 1 OPEP, while on patrol, responded to a report of phone snatching at about 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026.

Following the incident, the stolen phone was reportedly tracked to Prime House Hotel within the area, prompting the troops to conduct a raid on the facility.

The operation led to the arrest of five suspects identified as Tahir Suleiman, 25; Muhammed Ahmed, 25; Muhammed Labaran Haruna, 27; Yahya Yunusa, 20; and Aisha Mohammad, 22.

The suspects were reportedly found in possession of the tracked phone, while a further search led to the recovery of 26 mobile phones, 27 pouches, three MP devices, two earpods, an HP laptop, a knife and four power banks.

The vehicle belonging to the suspects was also towed to the headquarters of Sector 1 for a comprehensive search.
The suspects and recovered exhibits remain in custody for further investigation and necessary action.

Troops Raid Jos Hotel, Arrest Five Suspects Over Phone Snatching, Recover 26 Phones

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Troops Rescue 119 Civilians, Recover Eight Vehicles from Terrorists in Borno

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Troops Rescue 119 Civilians, Recover Eight Vehicles from Terrorists in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 119 civilians, including women and children, and recovered eight vehicles after confronting terrorists who blocked a major road and abducted travellers in Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 3:45 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, by troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion, 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, while conducting surveillance along the Dutsen Kura–Bulazarma–Kamuya road.

The troops reportedly sighted terrorists blocking the road and abducting civilians alongside their vehicles, prompting the mobilisation of the battalion’s Special Forces Quick Reaction Force and another QRF team from 27 Task Force Brigade headquarters.

The teams moved through the Mangari–Dora route, pursued and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the abducted civilians and vehicles in confusion.

The operation led to the rescue of 119 civilians comprising 69 men, 35 women and 15 children, while eight vehicles were also recovered.

The rescued victims were subsequently reunited safely with their families.
However, during the withdrawal, troops discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) around the Bam Buratai Junction–Bula Zarma general area.

The unit’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team marked and secured the location for safe disposal of the device.
The troops returned to base at about 7:36 p.m. the same day.

Troops Rescue 119 Civilians, Recover Eight Vehicles from Terrorists in Borno

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