In one of the biggest wildlife trafficking seizures in recent years, Nigerian customs officials have intercepted more than 1,600 live parrots and canaries that were being illegally transported from Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Kuwait without the required permits. The haul, which included ring-necked parakeets and green and yellow-fronted canaries, both protected species was seized on July 31, according to a statement from the Nigeria Customs Service released on Monday.
Authorities said the shipment had no Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permit or any other documentation proving that the birds were legally obtained. As a signatory to CITES, Nigeria is required to regulate and monitor the trade of endangered and protected species, making the seizure a significant step in the country’s ongoing battle against wildlife crime.
Mark Ofua, West Africa spokesperson for the international NGO Wild Africa, told the Associated Press that the operation represents a “positive change” in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking. However, he warned that Nigeria remains a major global hub for the illicit trade, largely due to porous borders, entrenched corruption, and weak enforcement mechanisms. The country has long been a transit point for illegally obtained wildlife products, including ivory, pangolin scales, and exotic birds destined for markets in Asia and the Middle East.
Following the seizure, customs officials confirmed that the birds would be handed over to the National Parks Service for rehabilitation before being released back into the wild. An investigation is underway to identify and prosecute those responsible for the smuggling operation.
Wildlife trafficking is one of the most lucrative illegal trades worldwide, with an estimated value of between $8 billion and $10 billion annually. Conservationists have repeatedly warned that without stricter enforcement, many endangered and protected species face a growing risk of extinction. This latest seizure underscores the urgent need for stronger border control, tougher penalties for traffickers, and increased public awareness to protect Africa’s rich biodiversity from further exploitation.
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