World largest wildlife trafficking busts with 1600 exotic birds seized in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the customs department has seized more than 1,600 parrots and canaries, in one the biggest wildlife trafficking seizures over the years.

The exotic birds were being transported from Lagos international airport to Kuwait without a permit. Customs agents seized ring-necked parakeets and green and yellow fronted canaries, two protected species, at the airport. The customs department said an investigation to find those responsible for the illicit cargo is ongoing.

The seized birds will be handed to the National Parks Service for rehabilitation and release into the wild. Global illegal wildlife trafficking is valued at $8–10 billion annually.

The seizure is a sign of positive change in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking, as Nigeria is a major hub in the global trade in protected species, Mark Ofua, West Africa spokesperson for the international non-governmental organization Wild Africa said.

Nigerian customs said an investigation to find those responsible for the illicit cargo is ongoing, and that the birds will be handed to the National Parks Service for rehabilitation and release into the wild.