In a dramatic operation, officials from the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service recently apprehended two individuals attempting to smuggle a precious cargo worth N6.89 million to Benin Republic. What made this operation particularly noteworthy was the nature of the cargo-live African parrots, including the highly endangered African grey parrot.
The illegal operation was uncovered when officers and men of the Seme Area Command were on patrol along the Seme-Badagry Expressway on September 25, 2023, around 4 a.m. Acting on credible intelligence, they intercepted a luxurious bus that had left Kaduna state en route to Benin Republic.
Upon searching the bus, the customs officers made a shocking discovery. Hidden within the vehicle were 51 live green parrots, five live African grey parrots, five deceased green parrots, one deceased African grey parrot, and one live hawk, all confined in iron nets and a paper box. Tragically, six of the birds perished during the journey due to the distressing conditions they were subjected to.
The value of these precious parrots was estimated to be N6,859,932. However, it’s not just about the monetary value; these birds are of vital ecological importance and are protected by international agreements.
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The African grey parrot, in particular, has been designated as a species of high concern by the United Nations. It is considered endangered and is on a priority list for protection to prevent it from becoming extinct.
The Customs Area Controller of the Seme Area Command, Timi Bomodi, strongly condemned this act of wildlife trafficking. He emphasized that the trade in endangered wildlife is a clear violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Bomodi’s message was clear: those involved in the illegal trade of endangered species should steer clear of the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, as the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to thwarting such activities.
In a show of collaboration and synergy among government agencies, the seized parrot birds will be handed over to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) Seme Command. Additionally, officials from the National Park Service will be notified of the seizure, as it is their duty to rehabilitate and protect these precious creatures from further harm.
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