Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Command in Lagos State have intercepted a consignment of over 1,620 live birds bound for illegal export to Kuwait.
The birds, identified as species of Ringnecked
Parakeets, commonly referred to as parrots, and canaries tagged as Green
and Yellow Fronted, were uncovered during routine inspections by vigilant
customs officers. The operation was led by the Customs Area Controller, Michael
Awe.
Awe confirmed that the interception aligns with Nigeria’s
obligations as a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), stressing that no unlawful
shipment would escape scrutiny under his watch.
“Under my watch, no illegal shipment will pass through this
airport. My officers are on high alert at all times. Their eagle eyes are
trained to detect and intercept any unlawful activity,” he said.
The fragile birds have since been handed over to the
National Parks Service (NPS) for rehabilitation and potential reintroduction
into their natural habitat. This transfer reflects the Customs Service’s
commitment to inter-agency collaboration, in line with the policy direction of
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi Adewale, MFR, who also currently
serves as the Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.
Awe noted that investigations are underway to identify and
apprehend those responsible for the attempted smuggling. “Nigeria is committed
to preventing illegal wildlife trafficking and ensuring that international
trade in endangered species is regulated, responsible, and sustainable,” he
added.
This operation follows a similar interception just last
month, when the MMIA Command seized 75 bags of pangolin scales and two live
pangolins.
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