Nigeria’s Efforts to Safeguard National Parks Lead to 646 Arrests in 2023

The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has undertaken significant measures to ensure the safety and security of the nation’s national parks, resulting in a total of 646 arrests made in 2023. This disclosure was made by Dr. Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator General of the National Park Service, during a recent press briefing where he highlighted the accomplishments attained over the course of the year.

Dr. Goni noted that the arrests were carried out in various national parks across the country and included individuals engaged in activities such as hunting, grazing, logging, and other unlawful acts within the protected areas. The highest number of arrests was reported in Gashaka-Gumti National Park.

In addition to the apprehensions, successful efforts were made in addressing incidents of banditry, with 37 suspects detained in connection with mining or banditry in Old Oyo National Park. Furthermore, in Kainji Lake National Park, three suspected bandits were apprehended, and five others were eliminated to prevent further criminal activities.

A noteworthy achievement was the rescue of four victims during these operations, and the recovery of various items such as motorcycles, phones, and machetes. Furthermore, a total of 646 cases were prosecuted, resulting in 161 convictions, 215 fines, 119 warnings and discharges, and 151 pending cases. Cross River and Gashaka-Gumti National Parks recorded the highest number of convictions.

The National Park Service also reported a revenue generation of N83.2 million from January to the present year, derived from ecotourism, compoundment, compensation, and other sources. All generated revenue has been remitted to the Federal Government’s coffers.

Moreover, the Service entered into several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with various organizations throughout the year to bolster conservation efforts. These collaborations have significantly impacted park protection, capacity building, and support zone development. Some of the organizations the MoUs were signed with include the Safe Nature and Humanity Club, Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation, West African Conservation Network, and Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd.

Another important highlight is the collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders to combat wildlife trafficking in Nigeria. Substantial seizures have been conducted, and live animals have been released back into the wild. For example, the Nigerian Customs Service confiscated 81 parrots among other bird species and galagos (bush babies) and handed them over to the National Park Service for rehabilitation and reintroduction to the wild. Additionally, a policy document on combating wildlife and forest crime in Nigeria was developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime.

These efforts underscore the commitment of the National Park Service and its partners to safeguarding Nigeria’s natural heritage and contributing to the global conservation agenda.

By Michael Olugbode in Abuja