Speaking during the passing-out parade of the rangers in Serti, headquarters of Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba state on Tuesday, the Conservator-General of the NPS, Ibrahim Goni, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to partnerships aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods across the country.

Represented by George Kagon, Goni said the recruitment initiative was designed to address manpower shortages caused by retirements and other operational losses within the park service.

“By recruiting dedicated youths from host communities, we are not only strengthening park protection but also fostering a sense of shared ownership,” he said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, for their support to the service, while also appreciating Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas and his Adamawa counterpart, Ahmadu Fintiri, for creating an enabling environment for the management of the park.

According to him, the newly recruited rangers underwent intensive training in patrol tactics, wildlife tracking, GPS usage, operational planning, and legal procedures to prepare them for field operations.

Also speaking, the Country Manager of the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, Nacha Geoffrey, described Gashaka Gumti as a critical ecological asset and an important watershed for the River Benue that supports millions of Nigerians.

Geoffrey said the deployment marked another major step towards tackling environmental degradation and insecurity threatening the park.

“They are frontline guardians of this vast wilderness and a bridge between conservation authorities and host communities,” he said of the new rangers.

He explained that the recruitment exercise, the fourth since the programme began in 2021, forms part of the strategic partnership between the NPS and ANI Foundation aimed at restoring the park’s ecological integrity and strengthening community participation in conservation efforts.

Geoffrey identified illegal mining, logging, livestock encroachment, and poaching as some of the major threats facing the park, noting that the rangers would play key roles in patrol operations, community engagement, and protection of endangered wildlife species including chimpanzees and leopards.

Despite the rugged terrain of the park, including areas such as Chappal Waddi, he assured the rangers of continued institutional support through the provision of modern equipment, aerial surveillance, and training in first aid and human rights.

Also speaking, the Conservator of the park, D.A. Hamman, said the recruits had received training in conservation law, wildlife monitoring, first aid, and community relations.

“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,” Hamman said.

Traditional rulers from Gashaka, the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State, and Ganye in Adamawa State commended the initiative, saying improved security had already enabled displaced farmers to return to their communities.

Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Lamdo of Gashaka, Alhaji Zuberu Hammagbdo, praised ANI Foundation for its interventions in education, women empowerment, livestock vaccination, and youth development.

“Thousands of cattle have been vaccinated by them,” he said, adding that many of the newly trained rangers were drawn from host communities.
Similarly, the Emir of Ganye, Alhaji Umaru Adamu Sanda, said ANI’s interventions had helped reduce youth unemployment and criminal activities in communities within his emirate.

Chairman of Gashaka Local Government Area, Umar Yusuf, described ANI’s presence as a blessing to both Gashaka and neighbouring Toungo Local Government Area in Adamawa State, assuring the organisation of continued support.

Some of the newly deployed rangers, including Victor and Sadiq, pledged to protect the park and preserve its resources for future generations.