In Nigeria's disappearing forests, loggers outnumber trees

Loggers sit in a hut built on top of floating rafts of logs, which are being transported from Ondo State to Lagos State, Nigeria, December 1, 2021. Picture taken December 1, 2021. REUTERS/Nyancho NwaNri

ONDO STATE, Nigeria (Reuters) - Deep in a forest in Nigeria's Ebute Ipare village, Egbontoluwa Marigi sized up a tall mahogany tree, methodically cut it down with his axe and machete, and as it fell with a crackling sound, he surveyed the forest for the next tree.

Around him, the stumps dotting the swampy forest were a reminder of trees that once stood tall but are fast disappearing to illegal logging in Ondo state, southwest Nigeria.