Federal government hands over seized snakes, spiders, millipedes to University of Uyo

Over 600 snakes, spiders and millipedes recently seized in Calabar has been formally handed over to University of Uyo by the Federal Government.

Personnel of the Nigerian Customs Service, Cross River and Akwa Ibom Commands intercepted three consignments containing 140 species of snakes and 600 animals at the NIWA jetty, Calabar on July 24.

The consignment is also made up of geckos, millipedes, hairy frogs and spiders, imported into the country, all valued at N6.9m.

The Minister of State for Environment, Mr Ibrahim Jibril, who handed over the contraband to the institution on Friday in Calabar, called for a comprehensive expert report on the consignment to enable government has a better understanding of the issues involved.

He, however, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its gallantry, saying that government expected an official recommendation on the customs officers that impounded the animals.

Receiving the animals on behalf of the University, Dr Edem Eniang of the Department Forestry and National Services, said that the original destination of the animals was from Cameroon to Luxemburg.

“But the people decided to pass through Calabar because probably, it was more convenient for them to travel through Calabar,” he said.

Eniang, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Bio-Diversity Centre, Uyo, said the animals were very viable for conservation.

“They are all poisonous snakes and they are very valuable because their venom could be used for many kinds of medicine, including anti-venoms.

“The poisonous snakes in this region are very valuable and we will examine them, especially the ones that are still alive, we will rehabilitate them and make recommendations to the government.”

He disclosed that some of the animals had died while others escaped.