Nigeria has become a major hub for the illegal trade of vultures, conservationists say, partly because of its biodiversity and porous borders.
“We are doing everything possible to make sure that the smuggling of items, including vultures, including donkeys, and other species outside the country is suppressed to the barest minimum,” insists Abdullahi Maiwada, a spokesman for the Nigerian Customs Service.
He says customs officials have carried out seizures of protected wildlife and supported prosecutions linked to illegal trafficking.
It is an example of how Nigeria is trying to live up its commitments as a member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) – under which endangered species are not allowed to be traded across borders.
But Maiwada admits to the BBC that enforcement alone is not enough – education will be crucial too.
“We may not be able to do it without the cooperation or understanding of members of the community,” he continues. “If people understand why these species should be preserved, then our enforcement will only be complementary to those who decide to be recalcitrant.”
That message has been at the heart of conservation work in Awka-Etiti and across parts of Nigeria.
Although reliable population data remains limited, conservationists say there are encouraging signs in Awka-Etiti, with local engagement helping residents become vigilant against outside hunters.
“The missing vultures are almost back. If you go to the marketplace now, you see vultures. At one time they disappeared, but now they are coming back,” Igwe confirms.
Egbe believes that this small, south-eastern town demonstrates what is possible when communities lead conservation efforts.
“What we’ve done in Awka-Etiti is one very good example of a success story where people have taken charge of what’s going on in their environment. That makes us happy.”
For Igwe, every returning bird represents hope.
But with populations still collapsing across Africa, he knows protecting them will require much more than one community.
Additional reporting by Abayomi Adisa, Ifiokabasi Ettang and Natasha Booty
