By Gabriel Yough
The African Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation and the National Parks Service (NPS) on Friday deployed 42 rangers to guard the Gashaka Gumti National Parks in Taraba and Adamawa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the national parks are located in the Gashaka and Tungo local government areas of Taraba and Adamawa, respectively.
Speaking at the event in Gashaka, the Conservator-General of NPS, Ibrahim Goni, said the programme 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 said.
Represented by George Kagon, Goni stated that the rangers underwent comprehensive training in patrol tactics, wildlife tracking, GPS usage, operational planning, and legal procedures, equipping them for the demands of the field.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to partnerships that promote biodiversity, conservation and sustainable livelihoods across Nigeria.
Goni also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, for their support.
He also commended governors Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa for providing enabling environments for the parks located in their states.
Country Manager of the 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 represented a major step toward reversing environmental degradation and insecurity in the region, adding that the new rangers were more than just employees.
“They are frontline guardians of this vast wilderness and a bridge between conservation authorities and host communities,” he said.
He identified key threats facing the park to include illegal mining, logging, livestock encroachment, and poaching.
He also said that the rangers would play a critical role in patrol operations, community engagement, and biodiversity protection, including safeguarding endangered species such as chimpanzees and leopards.
The country manager said that the rangers would continue to enjoy institutional support through modern equipment, aerial surveillance, and training in human rights and first aid.
Traditional rulers from Gashaka, Mambilla Plateau in Taraba and Ganye in Adamawa, who were present, 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 Hammangbdo, 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 in terms of women empowerment, vaccination of our livestock and job opportunities,” he said.
He described the initiative as inclusive and impactful while urging residents to sustain cooperation with ANI to ensure continued development.
Dr Umaru Adamu-Sanda, the Emir of Ganye in Adamawa, commended the impact of ANI Foundation, stating that the organisation’s presence in his emirate has significantly improved socio-economic conditions.
The traditional ruler said ANI’s initiatives have contributed to a notable reduction in youth unemployment across communities in the area.
On his part, the Chairman of Gashaka Local Government Council, Umar Yusuf, described ANI’s presence as a blessing, not only to Gashaka but also to the neighbouring Toungo in Adamawa. (NAN)
Edited by Peter Amine
