The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has reported the interception of 36 live African Grey Parrots en route to Ghana in a smuggling operation. Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Odaudu Salefu, revealed the seizure during a press briefing, attributing the success to the Command’s extensive intelligence network.
Comptroller Salefu expressed concern about the trading of these birds, emphasizing its detrimental impact on the African Grey Parrot population, which is already facing the risk of extinction. He detailed the interception, stating, “My officers, while on patrol on the waterway between Abombo and T junction, intercepted a boat. They became so curious about this boat. Why should this boat be here at this time of the day, around 12 to 1 midnight? On getting closer, they heard the sound of birds.”
Upon closer inspection, the officers discovered live parrots, specifically African Grey Parrots, in the boat. Comptroller Salefu highlighted Nigeria’s commitment as a signatory to protect endangered species and condemned illegal trading practices that endanger these animals. He emphasized, “We cannot watch some illegal traders knowing fully well that any attack on this animal, you are endangering their species, which is going into extinction.”
