Customs MMAC Foils Illegal Export of Over 1,600 Exotic Birds at Lagos Airport

Published on 6 August 2025 at 10:49

In a major wildlife protection breakthrough, the Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC), has intercepted a large consignment of exotic birds illegally destined for export from Nigeria to Kuwait.

The seizure, which occurred on Thursday, 31 July 2025, involved a total of 1,620 live birds, including species such as Ringnecked Parakeets (parrots) and Green and Yellow Fronted Canaries.

According to the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Michael Awe, the interception was the result of routine checks conducted by the Command’s vigilant officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

> “No illegal shipment will slip through the cracks under my watch at the airport, because the eagle eyes of our officers are everywhere to detect and intercept,”
— Comptroller Michael Awe

 

Comptroller Awe emphasized that Nigeria, as a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), has a legal and moral obligation to regulate and monitor the international trade of wildlife species. He noted that such exports must be accompanied by appropriate permits and documentation, without which they are deemed illegal.

The CAC confirmed that a full investigation is currently underway to identify the individuals and networks involved in the smuggling attempt. He assured that all responsible parties will face prosecution in accordance with Nigerian and international law.

Additionally, the birds will be handed over to the National Park Service (NPS), the government agency responsible for rehabilitating and reintroducing endangered species into their natural habitats.

This development highlights the Nigeria Customs Service's continuing commitment to combating illegal wildlife trade and upholding international conservation standards.


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