Minister inaugurates Rangers Outpost to fight illegal activities in Gashaka-Gumti

From Faruk Bamalli, Jalingo
 
The Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has urged park rangers to intensify efforts in protecting Gashaka-Gumti National Park from illegal miners, poachers, and loggers. 
 
He issued the directive on Wednesday during the inauguration of a newly established Rangers outpost at Toungo, Adamawa State.
 
The new outpost, situated in the northern sector of the park, which spans across both Taraba and Adamawa states, is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing conservation efforts and swiftly addressing any threats to the park’s biodiversity. 
 
Represented at the event by Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator General of National Parks, the Minister highlighted the challenges Nigeria faces in safeguarding its rich natural resources. 
 
He identified poaching, habitat destruction, and escalating insecurity—fueled by insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings—as key threats to conservation.
 
“The establishment of this outpost is an important step in combating the activities of illegal miners, poachers, and loggers within the park. It will strengthen our ability to respond to threats quickly and effectively,” said Minister Lawal.
 
The new facility was established through a collaboration between the National Park Service and African Nature Investors (ANI). Lawal praised ANI for its technical support, which has included ranger training and park patrols.
 
“The partnership between the National Park Service and African Nature Investors has led to a reduction in illegal activities, including poaching and illegal logging. This collaboration is vital in preserving our nation’s biodiversity and natural resources,” he said.
 
He further emphasized that this partnership aligns with the federal government’s broader initiatives to protect national treasures and conserve wildlife, ecosystems, and biodiversity. 
 
“This alliance signifies a shared vision to not only protect our parks but also ensure they become sanctuaries for wildlife and sources of livelihoods for local communities,” Lawal added.
 
In his address, the Executive Director of African Nature Investors, Mr. Tunde Morakinyo, described illegal mining as a major threat to the park’s conservation. 
 
He expressed hope that the establishment of the Toungo outpost would enhance ranger efforts to combat these illegal activities. 
 
Morakinyo also urged the federal government to take swift action against illegal mining operations, which he argued were contributing to increased criminal activity, including banditry and kidnappings in the region. 
 
“We have witnessed the devastating consequences of illegal mining in and around the park, including a tragic incident in which 22 miners died when a mining pit collapsed,” Morakinyo said. 
 
“This underscores the urgent need for a coordinated response to address illegal mining and its impact on the community and environment.”
 
The establishment of the outpost is part of broader efforts to bolster the protection of Gashaka-Gumti National Park, one of Nigeria’s largest and most biodiverse parks. 
 
The park, which spans across the border between Taraba and Adamawa states, is home to a variety of endangered species and provides vital ecosystem services to local communities.