The Nigeria National Park Service says it has expanded its reach with the takeover of three forest reserves in  2024.

Conservator general Ibrahim Goni said in a statement on Monday that the forest reserves had been converted to national parks.

Mr Goni named the new parks as Hadejia Wetlands, Oba-Hills and Marhai National Parks in Jigawa, Osun and Nasarawa, respectively.

He said the achievements of the service in 2024  showed  its commitment to conservation, protection and community engagement.

“These achievements showcase the service’s efforts to protect Nigeria’s natural heritage and promote sustainable development,” he said.

Mr Goni said the service had enhanced its anti-poaching efforts through the deployment of high-tech equipment such as drones, SMARTS, PowerChute, and GSM technology.

According to him, this initiative had resulted in 621 arrests, with 466 prosecutions, 61 compoundments and 94 warnings issued.

“This significant increase in arrests and prosecutions demonstrates the Service’s dedication and renewed effort to combat wildlife crime,” he said.

Mr Goni expressed excitement over partnerships with governmental, non-profit and international organisations, which, he said, had enhanced the efforts of the service.

Mr Goni noted that a number of these partnerships had facilitated donations to the service.

He listed some of the partnering organisations as  the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, the United Nations Office on Drug Crime, Sustainability and Conservation Education for Rural Areas and ACReSA.

Mr Goni said the organisations supported the service with essential equipment, training and funding.

He explained that the service prioritised training and capacity building in 2024, saying no fewer than 100 park rangers received tactical operations and counterterrorism training in collaboration with the Nigeria Army.

“30 forest guards from the Federal Capital Territory Forestry Department were trained in forest resources conservation and protection by the Service,” he said.

On research, Mr Goni said a recent PhD research conducted in Cross River National Park showed that “low-intensity human activities such as foraging can significantly impact tree species assemblages in tropical forests, particularly for edible species, potentially leaving long-lasting footprints.”

He added, “This research highlights the complex interplay that environmental, spatial and human factors have in shaping tree species dissimilarity in the Nigeria-Cameroon forest regions.

“Other research in PhDs, MScs and BScs is ongoing in the fields at unit parks.”

Mr Goni lauded the election of assistant conservator of park Mohammed Dikko Bala as Africa’s regional representative in the International Rangers Federation executive, saying the feat  demonstrated the service’s growing international recognition.

According to Mr Goni, the service launched several conservation initiatives, including Nigeria’s first national elephant action plan for 2024-2034 in collaboration with the Elephant Protection Initiative.

He also mentioned that 25 rescued African Grey Parrots from wildlife traders were released back into the wild in Cross River State and 161 hectares of degraded land were replanted and maintained across the National Parks under the Green Bond initiative.

Mr Goni said in spite of these achievements, the service faced some challenges, such as insecurity occasioned by banditry and terrorism.

He said the service also had problems with inadequate anti-poaching patrol equipment such as vehicles, arms and ammunition, the vulnerability of protected areas around the national parks and more.

To address these challenges, he said the service would work to review the National Park Service Act and Regulations as well as the management plan of all the national parks and seek technical support and donor partnerships.

He reiterated that the service remained committed to protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage and promoting sustainable development. 

(NAN)