Customs officials at Nigeria’s Lagos International Airport have intercepted a massive shipment of over 1,600 live parrots and canaries that were being illegally exported to Kuwait without required documentation, marking one of the largest wildlife trafficking busts in the country in years.
The cargo included protected species such as ring‑necked parakeets and yellow‑fronted canaries, none of which were accompanied by permits under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Customs controller Michael Awe emphasized that no illicit shipment would escape detection, praising his team’s vigilant efforts. Authorities are investigating those responsible for the attempted export. The seized birds will be transferred to Nigeria’s National Parks Service for rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild.
Wildlife experts say Nigeria continues to act as a transit hub for illegal animal trade—including ivory, pangolin scales, and exotic birds—destined for private collectors and exotic pet markets across the Middle East and Asia. The global illegal wildlife trade is estimated at $8–10 billion annually.
📝 Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Seizure date | July 31, 2025 |
| Species seized | Ring‑necked parakeets, yellow‑fronted canaries |
| Total birds intercepted | Over 1,600 |
| Destination | Kuwait (without CITES permits) |
| Next steps | Investigation underway; birds handed to National Parks Service |
