Cross River Faces Renewed Threat of Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking – NESREA

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has warned that wildlife poaching and trafficking are resurging in Cross River State. The agency says international criminal syndicates are increasingly working with local collaborators to target endangered species.

During a capacity‑building workshop for judges and magistrates in Calabar, NESREA Director Raymond Anunobi highlighted the need for stronger enforcement of conservation laws and greater judicial awareness of wildlife crime.

The workshop, organised under the European Union‑funded GUARD Wildlife Project, aims to improve the prosecution of wildlife and forest offences and to build the capacity of judicial officers who handle environmental cases.

“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,” Anunobi said.

Chief Superintendent of Immigration Demben Aferekpe also spoke, noting that the Nigerian Immigration Service plays a key role in preventing the cross‑border movement of wildlife traffickers and illegal wildlife products. He emphasised 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 it 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 Ntui, 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,” he said.

He identified weak evidence gathering as a major obstacle to successful prosecution and called 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 is 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.