Nigeria Seizes Over 1,600 Protected Parrots and Canaries in Major Anti-Wildlife Trafficking Effort

In a significant development, Nigerian customs authorities have intercepted over 1,600 parrots and canaries during an operation at Lagos International Airport. The birds, primarily ring-necked parakeets and green and yellow fronted canaries, were being transported without the necessary permits to Kuwait. This seizure marks one of the largest wildlife trafficking busts in recent years.

The incident underscores a positive shift in the ongoing battle against illegal wildlife trading. As a significant hub for global trade in protected species, Nigeria’s role in this illicit activity has been highlighted by Mark Ofua, spokesperson for Wild Africa’s West Africa region, speaking to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

On July 31, customs officials found the protected birds hidden within the shipment at the airport and subsequently issued a statement confirming the seizure late Monday. Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), yet this consignment lacked the required CITES permit and essential documentation to prove legal acquisition.

Customs officials are currently conducting an investigation to identify those responsible for the illicit cargo, and the confiscated birds will be handed over to the National Parks Service for rehabilitation before their eventual release into the wild.

Ofua emphasized that Nigeria’s porous borders, rampant corruption, and weak enforcement create a conducive environment for the transit of ivory, pangolin scales, and other wildlife products en route to Asia. He also noted that global illegal wildlife trading generates annual revenues of between $8–10 billion.