Illegal Wildlife Trade: Customs Intercepts 17 Live Scorpions, 340 Snakes At Lagos Airport
Compt Michael Awe (middle)
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC), has intercepted 17 live scorpions at its export section in Lagos, in a major move against the illicit trafficking of endangered species.
Speaking on the interception on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Michael Awe, described the act as a breach of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
He said, “We have seized 17 live scorpions here, which fall under CITES. We don’t know how many of these species have left the country from different points of view. But I have been saying this place is not, and will not be convenient for them to do their illegal export.”
The CAC recalled that this was not the first case of wildlife trafficking uncovered at the command. “A few weeks ago, we had a similar seizure at NAHCO Export. 340 pieces of snakes were equally seized here in our government warehouse, and we will hand them over to the agency concerned.”
Comptroller Awe warned that the command has intensified its vigilance and officers have been directed to remain proactive. “Most of these animals are going extinct in Nigeria, even Africa. I have sensitised all my officers to be highly proactive to ensure they avert further occurrences. It’s a serious issue globally, so we are fully on the ground to curb that.”
He further stressed that the MMAC export unit will not be a safe haven for wildlife 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.”
He noted that the seized scorpions would be handed over to the relevant agency for appropriate action in accordance with global conservation standards.
