NPS Evicts 4,000 Illegal Miners from National Park

The National Park Service (NPS) reported that over 4,000 illegal miners have been evicted from Gashaka-Gumti National Park following security operations in collaboration with the Nigerian Army. Conservator-General Ibrahim Goni stated that Nigeria is losing about 300 hectares of forest daily, emphasizing the urgent need to address illegal mining, logging, and wildlife trafficking.

The operations led to the closure of two illegal mining sites, displacing the miners from the protected area. Goni highlighted that security measures alone are insufficient and that affected communities require alternative livelihoods to reduce their reliance on activities that harm the environment.

He also mentioned ongoing issues with illegal mining in Oyo State and recent arrests in Rivers State. Goni called for cooperation among security agencies and government institutions to tackle these challenges and noted Nigeria's role in international wildlife trafficking networks, prompting the establishment of an inter-agency committee to combat illegal trade.