Cross River Forest Law Enforcement demand grows as stakeholders push for jail terms and stricter action against illegal logging

Stakeholders in Cross River State on Wednesday in Oban, Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, called on the Cross River State Government to strictly enforce forestry laws and impose custodial sentences on individuals involved in illegal logging and other forest-related offences.

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The demand was made during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement on forest conservation organised by the Cross River National Park, Oban Division, in collaboration with Wildlife Conservation of Nigeria, host communities, and civil society organisations.

The engagement brought together conservation officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders amid growing concerns over the rapid depletion of forest reserves and its environmental consequences.

Speaking at the forum, State Conservator of Parks, CP Joseph Ntui, expressed concern over the continued destruction of forest ecosystems, describing weak enforcement as a major factor enabling illegal logging and environmental degradation.

He also warned that unchecked resource extraction activities were contributing to pollution and ecological imbalance.

CP Joseph Ntui said host communities often grant consent to mining operators but struggle to regulate the scale of their activities, resulting in widespread environmental damage.

“Some SZC and even enclave communities have given consent to mining companies to mine minerals around their communities. Most at times, after giving consent, the communities cannot control the extent of the mining activities, thereby causing all manner of pollution to the environment,” he said.

He noted that such activities violate the National Park Service Act 46, Cap 65 of 2010, and pose serious risks including global warming, soil erosion, air pollution, disease outbreaks, and insecurity.

The conservator further explained that the National Park Service is mandated to protect ecological integrity through conservation, surveillance, and enforcement against poaching, logging, mining, and other illegal activities.

He added that intensified patrols had led to the arrest of 309 offenders since November 2024, with about 90 per cent reportedly non indigenes of Cross River State.

“Our record of arrests from the period I assume duty in November 2024, a total number of 309 offenders have been arrested. About 90 per cent of the offenders are non Cross Riverians, implying that we are the ones who give them access to exploit our resources indiscriminately,” he said.

A traditional ruler in Akamkpa Local Government Area, the Paramount Ruler, Agbor Ebani, also delivered a strong warning, describing weak enforcement as a major threat to biodiversity conservation in the state.

He urged government authorities to ensure offenders are prosecuted rather than repeatedly released after arrest, stressing that only strict punishment would deter further violations.

“Our forests are dying. Laws exist, but enforcement is weak. Offenders are arrested today and back in the forest tomorrow because there are no consequences. The government should ensure that offenders are prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.

The monarch further called for jail terms rather than fines, insisting that custodial sentences are already provided for under existing laws.

“We need jail terms, not just fines. The law provides for custodial sentences. Enforce it,” he added, while urging community leaders to resist inducements that enable illegal forest exploitation.

Benjamin Enyam of the Cross River Forestry Commission commended the National Park management for its conservation efforts, noting that government agencies are strengthening collaboration with security operatives to clamp down on illegal logging activities across the state.