We turn our attention to the warning by experts that environmental crime in West Africa is no longer a local issue, but a transnational one, requiring stronger regional cooperation, tougher laws and better intelligence sharing to dismantle the criminal networks behind it
In West Africa, activities such as illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, illegal mining and toxic waste dumping are stripping the region of natural resources, destroying ecosystems and undermining livelihoods.
These crimes are often linked to corruption, cross-border trafficking and armed groups, making them difficult to control.
Imoh Edet has more in this feature report.