Nigeria seized over 1600 birds in the “most large” bust for wildlife trafficking

Nigeria’s customs agency says she has conquered over 1600 Kuwait birds in what she described as the “biggest” bust of wildlife trafficking in the country.

Parrots with ring and green and yellow canaries were caught at Lagos International Airport by Nigeria’s Customs Service (NCS) on July 31, according to a message from the agency on Tuesday.

This is the “most” seizure of a number, NCS spokesman Abdullahi Basada told the BBC, in a country where wildlife traffic is common.

The porous boundaries of Nigeria, the widespread corruption and the weak application have made it a key transit center for ivory, Pangoline Libra and other wildlife products.

NCS said it was able to cross the birds through routine checks.

The statement states that the shipment does not have the necessary documentation and permits. Although birds are common, they are required to have appropriate documents.

An investigation is being conducted to find and pursue those responsible for the illegal load, he said, adding that the birds would be handed over to the National Rehabilitation Park Service before being launched into the wild.

Although the seizure was done on July 31, it was publicly shared on Tuesday so as not to “endanger” the investigation, said Maiwada.

He added that most of the trafficking of Nigeria animals is bound to Asia.

Nigeria has signed the Convention on International Trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) – the international treaty that manages the trade in rare plants and animals – but it remains a center for the illegal trafficking in wildlife.

The illegal trade in wildlife worldwide generates $ 7- $ 23 billion.

Songs, such as Canaries, are in high demand in the trafficking in global traffic due to popular singing competitions, the charity said.

While the rare species of wild parrots can bring $ 1,000 or more.