National parks equip officers to fight poachers, protect national treasures

National Parks Services (NPS) has partnered with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to train forest guards on skills and techniques on arms and weapons handling in order to fight poachers, as well as protect national treasures. The Conservator General of NPS, Ibrahim Goni, speaking at the passing out parade of the rangers, […]

National Parks Services (NPS) has partnered with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to train forest guards on skills and techniques on arms and weapons handling in order to fight poachers, as well as protect national treasures.

The Conservator General of NPS, Ibrahim Goni, speaking at the passing out parade of the rangers, said the task of park protection and conservation was not an easy one as officers had to trek long distances over rugged terrains and hash conditions to protect national treasures domiciled in the parks.

Goni said, “In the cause of discharging our duties we face many challenges, most of which have to do with open confrontation by wild animals, loggers, miners or herders in the national parks which in most cases result in casualties on the part of the service.”

He expressed worry over the heightening insecurity in some parts of the country, which had resulted in increased pressure on natural resources in the national parks, and that it became imperative to equip the rangers with the right training to protect national infrastructure with minimal or no casualty.

While expressing satisfaction with the display of the rangers, he said it showed that the desired result of the training had been achieved. 

He commended the NSCDC for the feat, saying it was an indication that it had one of the best facilities and instructors for training of that nature.

He also admonished the rangers to apply the lessons of the training in carrying out their jobs. 

He said: “The fulfillment of this result lies in your ability to bring the lessons of the training in discharging your duties.

“You should be civil in your conduct and always operate within the rules of engagement. There should be no cases of accidental discharge. Do not use the lessons of the training to harness or intimidate innocent Nigerians.”

In his remarks, the Commandant General of NSCDC, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, urged the rangers to comply strictly with the rules of engagement.

He said the refresher training they received might have prepared them for fresher challenges as they would for the first time bear fire arms.

He said, “I have no doubt that the high quality training you acquired has equipped you sufficiently to contribute to the progress and development of your organisation and the nation in general.