In a renewed effort to enhance security and preserve Nigeria's largest and most diverse conservation area, 42 additional volunteer community rangers have been deployed to safeguard the Gashaka Gumti National Park, located in Gashaka and Tungo local government councils in both Taraba and Adamawa states.
Addressing Manpower Shortages
The Conservator-General of the National Park Service (NPS), Ibrahim Goni, stated that the program was initiated to address manpower shortages caused by retirements and other losses. 'By recruiting dedicated youths from host communities, we are not only strengthening park protection but also fostering a sense of shared ownership,' he asserted. Represented by George Kagon, Goni noted that the rangers underwent comprehensive training in patrol tactics, wildlife tracking, GPS usage, operational planning, and legal procedures. This training equips them for the demands of the field while reaffirming the agency's commitment to partnerships that promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods across Nigeria.
Goni spoke during the passing-out ceremony of the rangers in Serti, headquarters of Gashaka Local Government. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, for their support, as well as to the governors of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, and his Adamawa State counterpart, Ahmadu Fintiri, for providing an enabling environment for the national park located in both states.
Ecological Significance
Also speaking, the Country Manager of the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, Nacha Geoffrey, described the park as a vital ecological asset and a key watershed for the Benue River, which supports millions of Nigerians. He noted that the initiative represents a major step toward reversing environmental degradation and insecurity in the region. 'The newly recruited rangers are more than employees; they are frontline guardians of this vast wilderness and a bridge between conservation authorities and host communities,' he said.
Geoffrey explained that the recruitment process, the fourth in a series following the first edition in 2021, forms part of a strategic partnership between the National Park Service and ANI Foundation to restore the park's ecological integrity and strengthen community participation. He identified key threats facing the park, including illegal mining, logging, livestock encroachment, and poaching. The rangers will play a critical role in patrol operations, community engagement, and biodiversity protection, including safeguarding endangered species such as chimpanzees and leopards. Despite challenges posed by the park's rugged terrain, including areas like Chappal Waddi, Geoffrey assured the rangers of continued institutional support through modern equipment, aerial surveillance, and training in human rights and first aid.
Training and Community Engagement
In his welcome address, the Conservator of the park, D.A. Hamman, said the rangers had been trained in conservation law, wildlife monitoring, first aid, and community engagement. 'They have walked the ridgelines, tracked the streams, and learned to read the land. They understand that this park is not just forest and mountains, but a vital resource for communities and future generations,' he emphasized. The deployment will strengthen patrol operations, improve intelligence gathering, and deepen ties with surrounding communities.
Traditional Rulers Applaud Initiative
Traditional rulers from Gashaka, the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State, and Ganye in Adamawa State commended the initiative, noting that improved security has already enabled displaced farmers to return to their communities. Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Lamdo of Gashaka, Alhaji Zuberu Hammagbdo, said the area has benefited significantly from ANI's interventions, particularly in education, women empowerment, and youth development. 'ANI has given back to the communities. We have seen the empowerment of women. We have also seen them vaccinating our livestock. Thousands of cattle have been vaccinated by them,' he stated. He added that many of the newly trained rangers were drawn from host communities, describing the initiative as inclusive and impactful while urging residents to sustain cooperation with ANI to ensure continued development.
Supporting the position of the Lamdo Gashaka, the Emir of Ganye in Adamawa State, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Adamu Sanda, commended ANI's impact, stating that the organization's presence in his emirate has significantly improved socio-economic conditions. The traditional ruler noted that ANI's initiatives have contributed to a notable reduction in youth unemployment across communities in the area, and that interventions typified by increased engagement of women and youth empowerment have helped curb criminal activities.
Chairman of Gashaka Local Government, Umar Yusuf, described ANI's presence as a blessing not only to Gashaka but also to neighboring Toungo in Adamawa State. He assured that the council would continue to support ANI's efforts to encourage further development.
Rangers' Commitment
Some of the newly deployed rangers, who gave their names as Victor and Sadiq, expressed readiness to go the extra mile in protecting the park and preserving its resources for future generations.
