The Seme border command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Monday, arrested two persons for allegedly smuggling 63 live African parrots, hawk from Kaduna state, Nigeria to neighbouring Benin Republic.
In a press statement by the public relations officer, Hussein Abdulahi, the birds have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N6.8 million, saying six of the birds have died due to the trauma of transporting them.
According to the statement made available to LEADERSHIP, the Customs Area Controllers (CAC), Timi Bomodi, will hand over the endangered species to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) Seme Command for further investigation.
“On the 25th of September at about 0400hrs, Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command while on patrol along Seme – Badagry Expressway, acting on credible intelligence intercepted a luxurious bus enroute Benin Republic from Kaduna state, Nigeria.
“Upon search of the bus, 51 live Green parrots; five live African Grey Parrots, Five dead Green Parrots, One dead African Grey Parrot, and One live Hawk in iron nets and a Paper Box were discovered. Six of these birds have died due to the trauma of transporting them in this condition.
Two suspects were also arrested in connection with the seizure.
“The said African Parrot Birds have a duty paid value (DPV) of N6.85 million. The Customs Area Controller, Compt. Timi Bomodi condemned this criminal act by some members of the society considering that the trade in endangered wildlife contravenes the Convention on International Trade On Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which is an International Agreement between Governments of which Nigeria is a signatory.”
Abdullahi in the statement disclosed that the newly appointed Controller, Compt. Bomodi warned perpetrators of illegal trade to steer clear of the Lagos – Abidjan corridor.
“The Comptroller warned the perpetrators of this illegal trade to stay out of the Lagos – Abidjan corridor or they will continue to incur heavy losses if they so insist
“In line with the dictates of the Nigeria Customs Service of promoting inter-agency collaboration and synergy, and considering the nature of the item, the seized Parrot Birds will be handed over to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) Seme Command.
“Officials of the National Park Service will be informed of this seizure as it is their responsibility to rehabilitate and protect them from further harm.”
