The vigilance of the officers of Nigeria Customs Service Murtala Mohammed Area Command, under the leadership of Comptroller Michael Toyin Awe, led to the discovery and interception of a large consignment of birds destined for illegal export to Kuwait, on the the 31st of July, 2025.
This remarkable interception was achieved as a result of routine control by the Customs Area Command officers.
According to Comptroller Awe, No illegal shipment will slip through the cracks, under his watch at the airport, because the Eagle eyes of his command officers are everywhere to detect and Intercept.
Furthermore, these live birds, over 1,620 in number: Ringnecked Parakeets ( Parrots) and Canaries ( Green and Yellow Fronted) are protected species which ought to have been accompanied by a CITES permit”
As Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, we, are therefore charged with the responsibility to ensure that the international trade in specimens of this kind follow due process, accompanied by required permits as well as other required documentations; to prove that the birds were legally obtained, to ensure that the trade will not be detrimental to their survival, likewise, all other endangered species.
While investigation continues to apprehend the perpetrators , the Command will be handing over this fragile creatures to a Sister agency, charged with the responsibilities of rehabilitation and re-introduction to the natural habitat of these birds.i.e National Parks Service (NPS). In the spirit of collaboration, inter-agency cooperation, and in line with the Policy trust of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi Adewale, MFR, The current Chairman of the World Customs Organization Council.
One Comment