Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Command in Lagos have intercepted a shipment of more than 1,620 live birds being illegally exported to Kuwait.
The seized birds include Ringnecked Parakeets—commonly known as parrots—and Green and Yellow Fronted Canaries. The discovery was made during routine inspections by vigilant customs officers, under the leadership of Customs Area Controller Michael Awe.
Awe emphasized that the interception is part of Nigeria’s commitment as a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). He assured that no illegal shipment would pass unnoticed 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,” Awe stated.
The delicate birds have been handed over to the National Parks Service (NPS) for rehabilitation and possible reintroduction into their natural environment. This handover reflects the Customs Service’s dedication to inter-agency cooperation, in line with the directives of Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi Adewale, MFR, who also serves as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.
Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attempted smuggling. Awe added, “Nigeria is committed to preventing illegal wildlife trafficking and ensuring that international trade in endangered species is regulated, responsible, and sustainable.”
This successful operation follows a recent seizure last month by the MMIA Command, which involved 75 bags of pangolin scales and two live pangolins.
