By Faridat Salifu
Nigeria has unveiled its first National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP) for the 2024-2034 period, marking a huge step forward in wildlife conservation.
The plan, which was drawn in partnership with the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI), intends to strengthen efforts to safeguard the country’s elephant population and other endangered animals.
Dr. Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General of the National Park Service (NPS), announced the new initiative in Abuja on Monday, December 23.
He highlighted that the NEAP forms part of a broader suite of conservation initiatives designed to enhance Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage.
One of the notable achievements of the NPS in 2024 was the rescue and release of 25 African Grey Parrots, which had been illegally trafficked by wildlife traders.
These birds were returned to their natural habitat in Cross River, signaling the ongoing efforts to combat wildlife crime.
Dr. Goni reported that the NPS had made significant progress in anti-poaching operations, resulting in 621 arrests, 466 prosecutions, and 94 warnings.
This uptick in enforcement actions, he said, reflects the service’s renewed commitment to curbing illegal activities that threaten biodiversity.
The conservator-general said the National Park Service has also made strides in land restoration, having replanted 161 hectares of degraded land across its national parks as part of the Green Bond initiative.
He said 2024 saw the expansion of Nigeria’s protected areas with the establishment of three new National Parks: Hadejia Wetlands, Oba-Hills, and Marhai National Parks, located in Jigawa, Osun, and Nasarawa States, respectively.
Dr. Goni expressed satisfaction with the growing partnerships between the NPS and various governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations.
These collaborations, he acknowledged, have been crucial in strengthening anti-poaching efforts, with significant support from entities such as the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), and the Sustainability and Conservation Education for Rural Areas (SCERA).
In addition to infrastructure and partnerships, Goni said the NPS has prioritized capacity building, disclosing that in 2024, 100 park rangers received specialized training in tactical operations and counter-terrorism, delivered in collaboration with the Nigerian Army.
Another 30 forest guards from the Federal Capital Territory Forestry Department, he disclosed further, underwent training in forest resources conservation and protection.
Dr. Goni highlighted the need for more anti-poaching equipment, vehicles, arms, and ammunition to improve operational effectiveness in the country’s national parks.
He commended the vital support of the media in raising awareness about conservation issues and expressed hope for continued collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s wildlife protection efforts. END
Source: Environewsng