Nigerian Customs Foils Wildlife Smuggling Operation, Seizes 120 Endangered Parrots Worth N60 Million
In a significant crackdown on wildlife trafficking, the Nigerian Customs Service has seized 120 endangered African Grey Parrots worth over N60 million from smugglers in Adamawa. The birds were being transported through Nigeria’s northeastern corridor when they were intercepted by customs officials.
According to the Customs Area Comptroller, Gambo Bature Bashir, each African Grey Parrot can fetch up to N500,000 in the black market in Abuja. These birds are highly prized for their intelligence and ability to mimic human speech, making them a lucrative commodity in the exotic pet trade.
Unfortunately, many African Grey Parrots are captured illegally, kept in cruel conditions, and trafficked across borders for profit. The seizure highlights the ongoing threat of wildlife trafficking and the need for continued efforts to protect endangered species.
The Nigerian Customs Service has demonstrated its commitment to combating wildlife trafficking through this successful operation. The seizure of the parrots is a significant step towards protecting these magnificent birds and preserving Nigeria’s biodiversity.
The seizure of the 120 African Grey Parrots serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting endangered species and the need for continued efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. The Nigerian Customs Service’s efforts are commendable, and it is hoped that this operation will serve as a deterrent to would-be wildlife traffickers.