The Mexican government has returned an “ancient” bronze sculpture to Nigeria after it was seized by customs officials in the capital’s airport.

The sculpture is believed to date back to the 6th Century from the south-western city of Ife, reports AFP news agency.

An official from Mexico’s foreign ministry is quoted saying that the sculpture had been illegally exported.

Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) tweeted a photo of the sculpture: