Nigeria's National Park Service and the Africa Nature Investors Foundation have jointly deployed 42 community rangers to protect Gashaka Gumti National Park. The park straddles Taraba and Adamawa states and faces serious threats from illegal mining, logging, and poaching.
The new rangers come from host communities in Gashaka and Toungo local government areas. They completed rigorous training before taking up their posts on Tuesday at a ceremony in Serti.
Training covered patrol operations, wildlife tracking, GPS navigation, and conservation law. Recruits also received first aid instruction to prepare them for fieldwork.
Ibrahim Goni, the National Park Service conservator-general, attended through representative George Kagon. Goni noted that recruitment addresses staffing gaps created by retirements and other departures.
According to him, hiring from local communities strengthens the park while building community ownership of conservation efforts. "By recruiting dedicated youths from host communities, we are not only strengthening park protection but also fostering a sense of shared ownership," Kagon conveyed on Goni's behalf.
Goni praised President Bola Tinubu and Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal for their backing. He also thanked Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas and Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for supporting the park.
Nacha Geoffrey, country manager of the Africa Nature Investors Foundation, described the park as a critical ecological resource. He stressed its importance as a watershed for the Benue River, which serves millions of Nigerians.
Geoffrey called the ranger deployment a major push against environmental damage in the region. He told attendees that these rangers aren't just workers—they're guardians of wilderness.
"They are frontline guardians of this vast wilderness and a bridge between conservation authorities and host communities," Geoffrey said.
This marks the fourth recruitment round since 2021, he explained. Each wave strengthens the partnership between the National Park Service and the foundation.
Illegal mining and logging pose constant dangers to the park. Livestock encroachment and poaching also threaten the ecosystem and its wildlife.
Rangers will conduct patrols and engage communities on conservation issues. They'll also protect endangered species like chimpanzees and leopards across the park.
Rough terrain, including areas around Chappal Waddi, complicates operations significantly. Geoffrey assured the rangers they'd receive modern equipment and aerial surveillance support.
Human rights training and first aid certification will continue, he added. Institutional backing will remain consistent throughout their service.
D.A. Hamman, the park conservator, welcomed the recruits in his remarks.
He noted their preparation in conservation law, wildlife monitoring, and community engagement skills.
Rangers have already walked ridgelines and tracked streams across the vast protected area. Their deployment strengthens protection for one of Nigeria's most biodiverse regions.
