Wildlife trafficking in Nigeria is frequent, says Nigerian Customs Service spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada [Nigeria Customs Service]
Nigeria’s customs company says it has seized over 1,600 birds sure for Kuwait, in what it described because the nation’s “largest” wildlife-trafficking bust.
Ring-necked parrots and green- and yellow-fronted canaries have been intercepted at Lagos Worldwide Airport, by Nigeria’s Customs Service (NCS) on 31 July, the company stated in a press release on Tuesday.
It’s the “largest” seizure by quantity, NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada advised the BBC, in a rustic the place wildlife trafficking is frequent.
Nigeria’s porous borders, widespread corruption and weak enforcement have made it a key transit hub for ivory, pangolin scales and different wildlife merchandise.
The NCS stated it was in a position to intercept the birds by means of routine checks.
The assertion stated the cargo did not have the required documentation and permits. Though the birds are frequent, they’re required to have correct papers.
An investigation is underway to search out and prosecute these chargeable for the illicit cargo, it stated, including that the birds could be handed to the Nationwide Parks Service for rehabilitation earlier than being launched into the wild.
Though the seizure was made on 31 July, it was solely shared publicly on Tuesday in order to not “jeopardise” the investigation, stated Mr Maiwada.
He added that almost all trafficked animals from Nigeria are sure for Asia.
Nigeria is a signatory to the Conference on Worldwide Commerce in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) – the worldwide treaty which governs the commerce in uncommon vegetation and animals – however stays a hub for unlawful wildlife trafficking.
The unlawful wildlife commerce globally generates $7-$23bn (£5-17bn) yearly, in keeping with animal conservation charity BirdLife Worldwide.
Songbirds like canaries are in excessive demand within the international trafficking commerce because of fashionable singing competitions, the charity stated.
Whereas uncommon species of untamed parrots can fetch $1,000 or extra.
You might also be excited about:
[Getty Images/BBC]
Go to BBCAfrica.com for extra information from the African continent.
Comply with us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Fb at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
BBC Africa podcasts
