NPS, ANI partners to strengthen conservation, security in Park

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The National Park Service NPS, and the Africa Nature Investors (ANI), Foundation on Tuesday deployed 42 community Rangers to curb poaching, illegal mining, and insecurity across Gashaka Gumti National Park
The Rangers scope of operation is to also span through Gashaka and Toungo areas of Taraba and Adamawa, and ensure that their activities bridge the gap between conservation authorities and host communities.
The NPS Conservator-General, Ibrahim Goni explained during the exercise in Gashaka that the development was to also fill the manpower gap created due to retirements and other related issues.
He disclosed that comprehensive training in patrol tactics, wildlife tracking, GPS navigation, operational planning, and legal procedures were completed by the Rangers.
“By recruiting dedicated youths from host communities, we are not only strengthening park protection but also fostering a sense of shared ownership,” he justified.
The Conservator-General who was represented by Mr. George Kagon, Goni commended President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas and his Adamawa State counterpart, Ahmadu Fintiri for creating an enabling environment for the park’s operations.
Meanwhile, the ANI Foundation Country Manager, Nacha Geoffrey, described Gashaka Gumti as a vital watershed for the River Benue that supports millions of Nigerians downstream.
Mr. Nacha lamented the continue illegal mining, logging, livestock encroachment, and poaching within the park, stating that the activities were the biggest issues hampering the park’s growth.
“This is the fourth batch of rangers since 2021, and it marks a major step toward restoring the park’s ecological integrity. These rangers are frontline guardians of this wilderness and a bridge between conservation authorities and the communities around it.
“Despite the rugged terrain, including the peaks of Chappal Waddi, I want to assure the team of our continue support through modern equipment, aerial surveillance, and training in human rights and first aid,” The country manager emphasized.
Earlier, Mr. D.A. Hamman, the Conservator of the Park, also informed that the rangers have been trained to read the land, and to understand that the park is a lifeline for both wildlife and people.
“They have walked the ridgelines, tracked the streams, and learned that this park is not just forest and mountains, but a vital resource for communities and future generations,” he added.
Traditional rulers from Gashaka, Mambilla Plateau, and Ganye in Adamawa, who also attended event, praised ANI’s initiative, stated the improved security has already encouraged displaced farmers to return to farms
HRH. Alhaji Zuberu Hammagbdo, the Lamdi of Gashaka commended ANI’s contributions beyond security, including education, women empowerment, and livestock vaccination.