Customs Intercept Over 1,600 Birds in Major Wildlife Trafficking Bust at Lagos Airport

By Diafa Doubra,

In one of the largest wildlife seizures in recent Nigerian history, customs officials at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, intercepted over 1,600 live birds being illegally exported to Kuwait. The haul included protected species such as African grey parrots and various types of canaries many of which are considered vulnerable or endangered.

The birds were discovered during a routine inspection in unmarked crates scheduled for an outbound flight. Officials said the exporters failed to present proper documentation and had concealed the birds in an attempt to bypass security checks. The suspects involved are currently under investigation.

Wildlife experts and environmentalists have praised the operation, warning that such trafficking poses a serious threat to biodiversity and animal welfare. Smuggling them for profit is illegal and unsustainable,said a spokesperson for the Nigerian Conservation Foundation.

Authorities say the birds will be handed over to the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service for health checks and rehabilitation before being released back into the wild where possible. The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on wildlife crimes and strengthening border surveillance.