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42 community rangers deployed to boost security at Gashaka Gumti National Park

Published

3 weeks ago

May 7, 2026

Preport

The National Park Service, NPS, has deployed 42 additional volunteer community rangers to strengthen security and conservation efforts at the Gashaka Gumti National Park located across Taraba and Adamawa states.

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.

Related Topics:boost community deployed Gashaka Gumti national Park Rangers security

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Jos Gunners Set for Mega Celebration as Arsenal Victory Parade, UCL Watch Party Hit the City

Published

3 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Preport

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Jos is set to come alive in Arsenal colours as fans across Plateau State prepare for the much-anticipated Jos Arsenal Victory Parade, UEFA Champions League Watch Party, and Arsenal Awards Night in what promises to be one of the biggest fan gatherings in the city.

The event, described as the ultimate Gooners’ link-up, will bring together Arsenal supporters from across the state for an evening packed with celebration, entertainment, and football passion — with free entry for everyone.

Activities kick off on Saturday, May 30, with the Victory Parade scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM sharp from Terminus, by Zenith Bank, as fans are expected to flood the streets in Arsenal jerseys to celebrate in style.

The celebration will then move to Tamarald Event Centre (Outdoor), off Old Airport Junction, from 4:00 PM, where guests will enjoy an exciting lineup of activities.

Organisers have promised premium entertainment featuring free party jollof for the first 50 attendees, sizzling barbecue, music performances, comedy, dance showcases, special Arsenal awards presentations, and the official launch of a brand-new Arsenal-themed song.

Supporters are simply encouraged to show up in their Arsenal jerseys and be part of the unforgettable experience.

The event is supported by Areo Global Services, Malangwa Media Empire, Nugroove Multimedia, Grace Dimensions Ministries, Dabels Cakes and Catering, Jos Metro Foods, Da Zone Concepts, Joe B Entertainment, Royal K.O.C, and the Gunners Rhythm Gang.

For enquiries, support, and table reservations, interested participants can contact:

07031001105

08126007839

For Jos Gooners, this is more than an event — it is a celebration of football, community, and Arsenal pride.

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Eric Chelle Plots Another ‘Surprise Package’ For 2026 Unity Cup Final

Published

4 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Preport

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Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Sekou Chelle has hinted that he will unleash another ‘surprise package’ on his team’s next opponent at this year’s ongoing Unity Cup in London, Sports247 reports.

Speaking against the backdrop of Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the competition’s opening match at Charlton Athletic FC’s home ground, The Valley, Chelle said he was impressed with what his array of rookies were able to achieve against The Warriors.

While not singling out any of the lads for particular mention, the Franco-Malian tactician admitted he was surprised by the team’s performance, considering that most of the lads were playing together for the first time.

The former coach of Mali’s national team and MC Oran football club of Algeria further hinted that many of those who featured in Tuesday’s game justified their inclusion in the list of invitees and showed that they can even be counted on to feature in the main Nigerian squad.

With his eyes now fully set on Saturday’s final at the same venue, Chelle inferred that he may not roll out the same starting 11, considering that some of Nigeria’s Grade-A players are also in camp and were rested for the opening game in order to give the rookies their own opportunities to shine.

However, Chelle noted further that there’s a strong likelihood of the next clash being against perennial Unity Cup rivals, Jamaica, who dragged the Eagles into penalties’ shootout before Nigeria could win last year’s final at Brentford’s BTech Stadium also in London.

With that in mind, the gaffer is already thinking of tinkering his squad list for the final but, while keeping hid plans close to his chest, Chelle stressed that the enthusiasm of all the lads in camp has made it possible for him to roll out tactical surprises at will.

Chelle said, “I was truly surprised by the performance of the players against Zimbabwe. I was surprised, because they played as if they had been together for six months or one year.

“In reality, it was the first time, but they showed that we can always make surprises happen in the Unity Cup. We are now looking at the next opponent in the final.”

Sports247 gathered that there is a strong possibility that Wilfred Oyinyen Ndidi will captain the squad on Saturday, while Moses Simon and Jerome Akor Adams line out alongside new rave of the moment, Femi Azeez, in attack.