The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, has raised concerns over a resurgence of wildlife poaching and trafficking in Cross River State, warning that international criminal syndicates are increasingly collaborating with local accomplices to target endangered species.
Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for judges and magistrates in Calabar, NESREA Director, Raymond Anunobi, said the growing threat posed by wildlife crime requires stronger enforcement of conservation laws and greater judicial awareness.
The workshop, organised under the European Union-funded GUARD Wildlife Project, was designed to strengthen the prosecution of wildlife and forest crimes and improve the capacity of judicial officers handling environmental cases.
Anunobi said exposing judges and magistrates to the realities of wildlife crime would enhance the enforcement of both national and international conservation laws.
“The judges who will adjudicate on these matters are here to understand the severity of what we are seeing. It is important that they recognise that these laws are enforceable and can be effectively applied in their judgments,” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Superintendent of Immigration, Demben Aferekpe, noted that the Nigerian Immigration Service plays a critical role in preventing the cross-border movement of wildlife traffickers and illegal wildlife products.
He stressed the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation, describing immigration officers as the first line of defence at the nation’s entry and exit points.
Conservator of the Cross River National Park, Joseph Ntui, described wildlife crime as one of the world’s most profitable criminal enterprises, ranking among major transnational crimes. He warned that many people underestimate its impact because they view it merely as the illegal movement of wildlife products.
According to him, wildlife trafficking is often linked to money laundering, insecurity and the proliferation of arms, making it a serious threat beyond environmental degradation.
“Wildlife crime is associated with money laundering, insecurity and the proliferation of arms. We are dealing with a very big issue, and that is why collaboration is critical if we are to address the challenge effectively,” Ntui said.
He identified weak evidence gathering as a major obstacle to successful prosecution, calling for additional training for investigators and prosecutors to build stronger cases capable of securing convictions. He added that successful prosecution would serve as a deterrent to criminal networks involved in the illicit trade.
Justice Joseph Bassey of the Cross River State High Court underscored the importance of enforcing wildlife protection laws to safeguard forests, biodiversity and ecosystems for future generations. He warned that continued destruction of flora and fauna could have severe consequences for the economy, environmental sustainability and human wellbeing.
Bassey assured participants that the judiciary would continue to uphold existing laws and ensure justice is served in wildlife crime cases.
The workshop forms part of broader efforts by conservation organisations, law enforcement agencies and international partners to strengthen Nigeria’s response to wildlife trafficking and other environmental crimes.
