A leading environmental rights group has issued a strong appeal to the Nigeria Police Force, urging it to take more decisive action against crimes that damage the nation's environment. The Crux Environmental Right, Advocates and Development Foundation (CERADF) stated that robust policing is essential for environmental safety, public health, and overall national security.
Constitutional and Legal Mandate for Police Action
In a statement released on 13 January 2026, CERADF clarified the legal foundation for police involvement in environmental protection. The organisation, represented by its Country Director, Mercy Julius Iviakpellas, and Director of Communications, Eswati Luka Ikpi, emphasised that while the police are not primary environmental regulators, they bear a significant indirect responsibility.
The group pointed to Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which tasks the Nigerian state with protecting and improving the environment and safeguarding the nation's water, air, land, forest, and wildlife. As a key arm of the state, the Nigeria Police Force is legally obligated to support this constitutional duty through law enforcement and maintaining public order.
CERADF also referenced Section 4 of the Police Act, 2020, which empowers the police to prevent crime, protect lives and property, and enforce all laws. "Environmental offences are criminal offences under Nigerian law. Therefore, the police have the power and duty to arrest offenders, investigate environmental crimes and prosecute violators in collaboration with relevant agencies," the statement affirmed.
Defining Environmental Crimes and Calling for Collaboration
The organisation listed specific environmental violations that fall within the lawful scope of police action. These include:
- Illegal waste dumping and hazardous waste handling
- Air, water, and noise pollution
- Illegal mining and sand dredging
- Oil theft and pipeline vandalism
- Forest destruction and wildlife crimes
CERADF noted that such violations often flourish in areas with weak law enforcement, exposing communities to severe health and safety risks. It cited key laws like the NESREA Act, 2007, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act, and various state environmental laws as providing the legal backbone for police intervention.
While commending the police for ongoing reforms, the NGO stressed the need for more proactive engagement at the grassroots level. It called for enhanced collaboration between the police, environmental agencies like NESREA, civil society organisations, and community leaders to effectively tackle environmental threats and promote sustainable practices.
Commending Police Reforms and Public Responsibility
In the same statement, CERADF commended the Nigeria Police Force for what it described as notable achievements in 2025 under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The group praised visible progress in professionalism, discipline, and internal reforms, while condemning what it called sustained smear campaigns aimed at discrediting the Force and its leadership.
The organisation concluded by urging all Nigerians to support law enforcement efforts. It encouraged citizens to report environmental abuses and cooperate with security agencies, highlighting that environmental protection and public safety are inseparable pillars of national development.
