Customs foil smuggling of over 1,600 endangered birds at Lagos airport

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, has intercepted a major wildlife trafficking attempt involving 1,620 protected birds destined for illegal export to Kuwait.

According to a statement issued Monday by the Area Controller, Comptroller Michael Awe, the illicit cargo was uncovered on July 31 by alert customs officers stationed at the airport’s control post.

“Furthermore, these live birds, over 1,620 in number: Ringneck, Parakeets (Parrots), and Canaries (Green and Yellow Fronted) are protected species,” Awe said.

He explained that the attempted export was in violation of international wildlife protection protocols. The birds, classified under endangered species, were not accompanied by the mandatory Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permit.

“As Nigeria is a signatory to the CITES of Wild Fauna and Flora, we are therefore charged with the responsibility to ensure that the international trade in specimens of this kind follows due process,” Awe emphasized.

He further condemned the attempt, stressing the need for documentation that confirms the birds were sourced legally and in ways that do not threaten their survival.

“This is a cargo that should have been accompanied by required permits and other required documentation to prove that the birds were legally obtained. This is to ensure that the trade will not be detrimental to their survival; likewise, all other endangered species,” he stated.

Comptroller Awe affirmed that investigations are ongoing to track down those responsible for the illegal shipment. In the meantime, the birds will be handed over to the National Parks Service for care and rehabilitation.

He added that the move aligns with the Customs Service’s broader mandate of environmental protection and reflects the policy direction of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who also currently chairs the World Customs Organisation Council.

Awe concluded with a firm declaration: “The command and its personnel have resolved that no illegal shipment will slip through the cracks at the airport.”