The National Park Service says it has increased its reach by taking over three forest reserves in 2024. The Conservator General, Dr. Ibrahim Goni, on Monday said that the forest reserves have been turned into national parks.
Goni designated the new parks as Hadejia Wetlands, Oba-Hills, and Marhai National Parks in Jigawa, Osun and Nasarawa States, respectively.
He said the service’s achievements in 2024 demonstrated its dedication 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.
Goni said the service has enhanced its anti-poaching efforts through the deployment of high-tech equipment such as drones, SMARTS, power-chute and GSM technology, adding that this initiative has resulted in 621 arrests, with 466 prosecutions, 61 components and 94 warnings issued.
“This significant increase in arrests and prosecutions demonstrates the service’s dedication and renewed effort to combating wildlife crime,” he said.
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Goni expressed excitement over the partnerships with governmental, non-profit and international organisations which have enhanced the work of the service.
He noted that a number of these partnerships had facilitated donations to the service, naming some of the partners s as the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, United Nations Office on Drug Crime (UNODC) and Sustainability and Conservation Education for Rural Areas.
Goni said the organisations have 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 counter-terrorism training in collaboration with the army.
