The management of the Cross River National Park says it has arrested at least 80 suspects involved in illegal logging, illegal mining, poaching and other forest-related crimes as part of efforts to protect the state's rainforest from destruction.
The Conservator of the Park disclosed that the arrests were made during ongoing enforcement operations across protected forest areas. According to park authorities, the suspects were caught carrying out activities that threaten one of Nigeria's richest rainforest ecosystems, including cutting down protected trees, illegal mining and hunting of wildlife.
Officials said the crackdown is aimed at stopping the continuous destruction of the forest, which serves as a major source of clean water, biodiversity, tourism and livelihoods for many communities in Cross River State. They warned that anyone found violating conservation laws would be arrested and prosecuted.
The National Park management expressed concern that illegal logging and mining continue to destroy large sections of the forest despite repeated warnings. They stressed that protecting the rainforest is not only the responsibility of government agencies but also of host communities and traditional leaders.
Cross River is home to Nigeria's largest remaining tropical rainforest, but conservation groups have repeatedly raised concerns over increasing cases of illegal logging, mining and wildlife trafficking. Environmental experts warn that these activities contribute to climate change, loss of wildlife habitats, erosion and pollution of rivers.
Authorities said enforcement operations will continue, adding that more arrests are expected as security agencies intensify patrols across forest reserves and national park areas.
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