Nigeria's Record Wildlife Trafficking Bust: Over 1,600 Birds Seized

Nigeria has made a pivotal move against wildlife trafficking with the recent interception of over 1,600 exotic birds headed for Kuwait, marking its largest haul to date.

 

Nigeria's customs agency has declared a major victory in its fight against wildlife trafficking, announcing the seizure of more than 1,600 birds destined for Kuwait. The operation, executed on July 31 at Lagos International Airport, involved the interception of ring-necked parrots and green- and yellow-fronted canaries, according to a statement from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) shared publicly on Tuesday.

NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada emphasized that this notable seizure represents the largest number of birds captured in a single bust within the country, highlighting the ongoing struggles with wildlife trafficking in Nigeria, a nation known for its porous borders and rampant corruption. These factors have established Nigeria as a significant transit point for various wildlife products, including ivory and pangolin scales.

The customs service managed to apprehend the birds during standard inspections, discovering that the shipment lacked the necessary documentation and permits. Although the species involved are commonly found in the region, they still require appropriate legal papers for transit. Currently, an investigation is underway to identify and pursue legal actions against those responsible for this illicit shipment. The rescued birds are set to be transferred to the National Parks Service for rehabilitation before their eventual release back into their natural habitats.

Despite the operation taking place in late July, details were withheld from public circulation until now to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation. Maiwada noted that a significant percentage of trafficked wildlife originating from Nigeria is typically intended for markets in Asia. Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which governs the trade of rare species, yet illegal trafficking persists within its borders.

The global wildlife trafficking industry generates between $7 and $23 billion annually, as reported by conservation groups like BirdLife International. The high demand for songbirds, driven by singing competitions, and the lucrative market for rare parrots—which can fetch prices exceeding $1,000—further fuel these illicit operations.