The national park service has partned with security agencies and local vigilantes to crop several illegal loggers and criminal activities.
During a press conference via zoom on Wednesday, the conservator general, Dr Ibrahim Goni said the Service Rangers in collaboration with security agencies and local vigilantes carried out a successful routine joint patrol at the park where a lot of bandits were neutralized and several illegal loggers arrested.
He noted this activity is often carried out with personnel of these agencies with the aim to nip in the bud any suspected criminal activities.
About twenty (20) number of illegal loggers who had different sizes of trucks, some articulated trucks, loaded with timber were arrested by the joint patrol team.
Trespassers will eventually be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the land.
The collaborative efforts paying off and will effectively degrade the activities of bandits and other criminal elements within our Parks and the surrounding communities.
These collaborations, which are a continuing exercise, would help to speedily restore peace and stability at our Parks, the host communities and Nigeria as a whole.
It is worthy to note that this operation was successful because of the vital information shared to the Service and which is a crucial role every person in Nigeria should play.
The Park, just like other forest reserves, has challenges such as illegal poaching, grazing, logging and fishing, and we have remained committed to attaining the desired status of a tourist destination for legal visitors.
We will always evaluate, re-strategise and reinvigorate our ongoing operations to stem the tide of growing security threats around the Parks and adjoining communities.
He appreciate the Army, Police, DSS, Civil Defence, the vigilante and indeed the people of Borgu Emirate for their support and cooperation.
I am given them kudos for their sacrifices and dedication toward curtailing banditry and other security challenges bedeviling our Parks.
We, therefore, call for continuous support from our host communities in this fight against illegal activities at our Parks and their environs.
I urge Nigerians not to rest on their oars until normalcy is completely restored to our dear country.
The Management of the Park is fully aware of the security situation of the areas within our legal jurisdiction and as such, we are closing ranks with other relevant stakeholders to curb the daunting challenges associated with our operations.
The nation’s premier National Park was established by the amalgamation of two former game reserves-Borgu and Zugurma with a total area of 5,340.82sq/kilomtres
However, we are assuring the public that the management of the Park will continue to strive very hard to keep the sanity and integrity of our Parks through our numerous strategies and modus operandi.
