Customs intercepts 340 snakes, 17 scorpions at Lagos airport

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC), has intercepted 340 live snakes and 17 live scorpions at its export section in Lagos as part of efforts to curb the illegal trafficking of endangered species and the wildlife trade.

Speaking yesterday on the interception made on August 26, 2025, at NAHCO Export and the government warehouse, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Michael Awe, described the act as a breach of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Awe, while expressing uncertainty about the number of these species remaining in the country, recalled that this was not the first case of wildlife trafficking uncovered at the command. He noted that many of these animals are going extinct in Nigeria and across Africa, which poses a serious global challenge.

The CAC said the seized scorpions would be handed over to the relevant agency for appropriate action in line with international conservation standards.

“We have seized 17 live scorpions here, which fall under CITES. A few weeks ago, we had a similar seizure at NAHCO Export. 340 pieces of snakes were equally seized here in our government warehouse. We don’t know how many of these species have left the country from different points of view. We will hand them over to the agency concerned,” he stated.

Awe warned that the command has intensified its vigilance and directed officers to remain proactive in preventing further cases of illegal wildlife trade. He further stressed that the MMAC export unit would not serve as a haven for traffickers.

“I have had a series of meetings with all my export officers, and I told them, on no account should they allow any of such. They are fully on the ground. They have been reporting daily, and I quite believe that this place will not be comfortable for all these illegal exporters any longer,” Awe added.

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