Live parrots and a hawk worth N6 million are seized by customs.

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has successfully seized live specimens of endangered African Grey Parrots, Green Parrots, and a hawk. The collective worth of these intercepted species is estimated to be around N6,859,832.

On Wednesday, it was announced by Comptroller Timi Bomodi, the Customs Area Controller.

As per his account, the seizure was conducted on the grounds of reliable intelligence.

The animals were apprehended at the Gbaji border while en route to the Benin Republic.

According to the speaker, the animals in question were apprehended by law enforcement personnel at approximately 4 am on the current day. It was reported that reliable information had been received indicating that the animals were being transported in a high-end bus from Kaduna to Lagos, with the purpose of exporting them for sale.

As it is often known, the trafficking of endangered species is considered illegal. These species hold significant value in foreign markets, leading certain persons to willingly undertake substantial risks in order to engage in the smuggling of these avian creatures.

Bomodi reiterated the dedication of the Nigeria Customs Service to combat the proliferation of illicit trade within the nation, and additionally acknowledged the apprehension of two individuals believed to be involved in the aforementioned seizure.

The Nigeria Customs Service, being a signatory to the convention on illicit trade in endangered species, has the obligation to prevent the continuation of such trade. Our utmost determination is in ensuring that items of this kind are not circulated.

The speaker highlighted that two suspects are currently under custody, and the established protocol for initiating seizures of this sort, particularly with regards to the treatment of these prisoners, is already in effect.

The animals that were confiscated were then sent to the custody of Sanusi Magashi, the Controller of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services.

The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services will provide temporary protection and care for the animals before to their release into the national park.