Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command in Lagos have intercepted a consignment of live birds bound for illegal export to Kuwait.
The seized consignment contained over 1,620 birds, including species such as Ringnecked Parakeets—commonly known as parrots—and canaries, identified by their green and yellow-fronted feathers.
Led by Customs Area Controller Michael Awe, the interception was made during routine checks carried out by vigilant officers of the command.
Awe affirmed that as Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), no illegal wildlife shipment would escape detection under his watch.
He stated, “Under my watch, no illegal shipment will pass through this airport. My officers remain alert at all times, with their eagle eyes trained to intercept any unlawful activity.”
He confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, while the birds—considered fragile—have been transferred to the National Parks Service for rehabilitation and reintroduction into their natural habitat.
The Customs Service reiterated Nigeria’s commitment, as a CITES signatory, to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and ensure that any international trade in endangered species is strictly regulated and sustainable.
The agency also stressed its continued cooperation with other government bodies, in line with the policy direction of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi Adewale, MFR, who currently serves as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.
This latest interception follows a similar bust just last month, where the same command seized 75 bags of pangolin scales and two live pangolins.