When you think about wildlife conservation in Nigeria, the first image that probably comes to mind is a ranger in the forest, trekking through thick vegetation with nothing but determination and a few basic tools. For decades, that picture was accurate. Rangers were our only line of defense against poachers, loggers, and others who threatened our national parks. They are still the backbone of this fight, but something exciting is happening; technology is stepping in as their powerful new partner.

This shift in strategy was clearly laid out by Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, during the 2025 World Ranger Day celebration in Abuja. His message was simple but powerful: if Nigeria wants to protect its incredible biodiversity, from elephants in Yankari to gorillas in Cross River, we must embrace innovation. He called for what he described as “transformative conservation”, built on advanced tools and smarter methods.

The Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Goni, is already bringing this vision to life, and the results are promising. Let’s break down what this “transformative conservation” actually looks like.

Drone Surveillance

Drone technology provides rangers with real-time aerial monitoring across vast landscapes that are impossible to cover on foot. In parks such as Kainji Lake, drones can track animal movements, identify illegal activities, and reach remote areas quickly. By providing live video feeds, drones improve the ability of rangers to respond to threats before they escalate.

SMART Technology and Cyber Trackers

The introduction of digital systems such as SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) allows rangers to log patrol routes, record sightings, and document illegal activities directly on handheld devices. This replaces outdated paper records with instant, reliable data. Park managers can then analyze this information to identify poaching hotspots, allocate resources more effectively, and measure conservation progress with greater accuracy.

Satellites and Helicopters

While drones cover specific patrol areas, satellites and helicopters provide a broader perspective. Satellites can detect large-scale changes such as deforestation and land degradation, while helicopters support rapid deployment of rangers to crisis zones. Together, they ensure that conservation responses are not only faster but also better informed.

All of this sounds exciting, and it is, but the heart of the matter is that technology is not replacing our rangers. It’s making them stronger, safer, and more effective. As Dr. Goni rightly called them, rangers are the “unsung heroes of conservation.” They are the ones who risk their lives every day to protect elephants, gorillas, and countless other species. Technology simply gives them the tools to do their jobs better and survive the dangers they face.

But conservation is never a one-man show, or even a one-ministry show. During the event, Chris Galliers, President of the International Ranger Federation, made an important point: the government cannot do this alone. If Nigeria’s high-tech conservation strategy is going to succeed, it will require partnerships. NGOs, local communities, private companies, and ordinary citizens all have roles to play.

Supporting conservation organizations, advocating for stronger environmental policies, or even just spreading awareness about the importance of our biodiversity, these actions matter. Small steps, when taken by many, add up to real change.

What we are seeing now is a bold new chapter in Nigeria’s conservation story. Our rangers’ courage remains timeless, but when you blend that courage with modern technology, you create a force capable of protecting our national treasures for generations to come.

As the world marked World Elephant Day on August 12, 2025, with the theme “Bringing the world together to help elephants,” wildlife conservationists in Nigeria sounded the alarm over the country’s rapidly declining elephant population. According to reports from conservation groups, the number of elephants in Nigeria has plummeted from over 1,200 to just about 300-400 in the last 30 years.

Threats to Nigeria’s Elephants

The main threats to Nigeria’s remaining elephants are habitat loss caused by agriculture, logging, and infrastructure development, pushing elephants into farmlands and villages in search of food and water. This has led to human-elephant conflicts, resulting in fatal incidents. In July, an elephant killed a farmer in Ogun State, highlighting the seriousness of the conflict.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation organisation Wild Africa is pushing for Nigeria to step up efforts to protect its remaining elephants. The newly launched National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP) aims to protect habitats by securing and restoring elephant habitats and connecting fragmented ranges through wildlife corridors. The plan also seeks to reduce conflicts by implementing early warning systems and non-lethal deterrents like chilli repellents to minimize human-elephant conflicts.

Read also: FG launches 10-year plan to combat elephant poaching and preserve wildlife

Also, the plan aims to boost law enforcement to combat wildlife crime and mitigate habitat degradation. This is particularly relevant as Nigeria considers the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, which could enhance the country’s capacity to protect its wildlife.

Mark Ofua, West Africa Representative for Wild Africa, emphasised the need for deliberate planning and stronger law enforcement to protect both elephants and people.

“When elephants have access to safe habitats and corridors, they’re less likely to come into conflict with communities. But achieving that requires deliberate planning, investment, and stronger law enforcement,” Ofua said.

Nigeria is home to more than 940 bird species, one of the highest in Africa. From tiny, bright waxbills to mighty eagles soaring above, our birds aren’t just beautiful to look at; they help keep nature in balance. But many of them are in danger, and we need to act fast.

A Country Full of Birds

Nigeria’s rich landscape, spanning forests, savannas, wetlands, and mountains, offers a perfect home to many types of birds. In the open savanna, you might spot the hooded vulture gliding through the sky. In thick forests, vibrant bushshrikes and orioles flit from tree to tree. Wetlands, meanwhile, attract water birds like the African jacana and the colorful pygmy goose.

Some birds live only in Nigeria. These include the Ibadan malimbe (Malimbus ibadanensis), Jos Plateau indigobird, and Anambra waxbill. They don’t exist anywhere else in the world, making them a special part of our country’s natural heritage.

Birdwatchers recently reported sightings of the stunning rock firefinch in the north, a tiny bird with fiery red feathers. Places like Oba Dam also attract migrating birds from as far away as Europe and Asia, especially during the dry season.

What’s Putting Them at Risk?

Sadly, not all is well for our feathered friends. At least 31 Nigerian bird species are now officially listed as threatened, and more could follow if no action is taken.

One of the biggest threats is habitat loss. Forests are being cut down, like in Oluwa Forest Reserve, leaving birds with nowhere to nest or find food. Wetlands are drying up or becoming polluted, especially with plastic waste. This puts species like the African pygmy goose at risk. In the Niger Delta, oil spills have badly damaged key bird areas.

Climate change is making migration harder. Birds that fly across continents to Nigeria often arrive at the wrong time, too early or too late to find food. Then there’s illegal hunting, whether for food or to sell birds as pets. All these pressures are contributing to the decline of bird populations.

There’s Still Hope

But it’s not all bad news. Across Nigeria, people are working to protect our birds.

At the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI) in Jos, young scientists are trained to study and protect birdlife. Their work helps track bird populations and identify ways to protect species.

Protected places like Yankari Game Reserve and Gashaka-Gumti National Park provide safe homes for many birds. In nearby communities, locals are learning how to identify birds, report sightings, and reduce hunting. Organizations like BirdLife International are also helping to plant trees, restore wetlands, and repair damaged habitats.

Why Should We Care?

Birds help pollinate plants, spread seeds, and control insects. They’re part of what keeps nature healthy. They also bring in tourists from around the world, boosting the economy.

And you can help, too:

• Join a bird count in your area 
• Support local conservation groups 
• Avoid littering, especially near water 
• Talk to others about why birds matter

Our birds help tell the story of Nigeria. Let’s make sure they’re still part of it for years to come.

If you’ve ever taken a boat ride around the Niger Delta or the Lagos Lagoon, you may have heard whispers about a shy, slow-moving creature that gently rises to the surface now and then. That’s the African manatee, one of the quietest and least-known animals in Nigeria. Often called “sea cows” because they munch on water plants, these gentle giants help keep our rivers clean and healthy.

Even though they can grow over 13 feet long and weigh more than 1,000 pounds, manatees are peaceful and calm. They don’t chase fish or cause trouble. Instead, they float quietly through rivers and lagoons, eating plants like water hyacinths and sea grass. It’s this gentle nature that makes them special and sadly, easy to harm.

A Secret Treasure in Our Rivers

Manatees are found in a few special locations in Nigeria, including the Niger Delta, Cross River, and Lagos Lagoon. They’re hard to spot, but people living near the water sometimes catch a glimpse of them early in the morning or late at night. Some communities report seeing manatees more frequently now, which is a positive sign that efforts to protect them are having an impact.

If you ever see one, you’ll notice their round, almost cartoon-like face and big, paddle-shaped tail. They resemble water-dwelling teddy bears. In some areas, manatees are even linked to old stories about “mami wata”, the water spirits of local folklore.

Why They’re in Trouble

Sadly, the African manatee is in danger of extinction. It’s listed as a vulnerable species, and its numbers are dropping. One big problem is illegal hunting. Some people still kill manatees for their meat or oil. Others get caught in fishing nets or lose their homes when mangroves are cleared or buildings go up near the water.

In places like the Niger Delta, oil spills and pollution also mess up the water and food sources. Add climate change to the mix, with rising temperatures and unpredictable water levels, and life becomes even harder for these gentle animals.

How People Are Helping

The good news is, Nigerians are taking action. Conservation groups are working closely with local river communities to protect manatee homes. In some places, locals are even learning how to track and monitor manatees, which helps researchers better understand how to protect them.

The government is stepping up, cracking down on poachers and seizing manatee products. In some areas, mangrove forests are being restored, giving manatees safe places to feed and rest.

And now, eco-tours are being introduced in places like Cross River. These tours allow people to see manatees in the wild without disturbing them, which helps build awareness and supports local economies.

Why It Matters to You

You might wonder: “Why should I care about this slow animal?” Manatees help control invasive plants, such as water hyacinths. This helps keep rivers healthy, benefiting fish, birds, and even local fishermen.

What You Can Do

You don’t have to be a scientist to help. You can:

• Support local conservation groups 
• Talk to others about why manatees and wetlands matter 
• Avoid dumping waste near rivers and lagoons. 
• Report illegal hunting or pollution when you see it. 

The African manatee may not roar or run fast, but it has a quiet power. And with your help, these gentle river giants can keep swimming free, not just today, but for generations to come.

Hidden deep in the misty forests along the Nigeria-Cameroon border lives a shy and rare giant; the Cross River gorilla. With fewer than 300 left in the wild, they’re one of the most endangered apes on Earth. Their survival hangs by a thread.

These gorillas are not the big, bold ones you see in nature shows. They’re smaller than their lowland cousins, with darker fur and a secretive way of life. They live in rugged, steep areas, such as the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mbe Mountains in southeastern Nigeria, places that are not easily accessible to humans. And honestly, they prefer it that way.

Why Are They Disappearing?

Their biggest enemy isn’t just one thing; it’s a combination of threats that’s been growing for years.

First, there’s deforestation. Trees are being cut down for farming, roads, and development. As forests vanish, so do the gorillas’ homes. They’re left with fewer places to eat, sleep, or move around.

Then there’s poaching. While gorillas aren’t usually the primary targets, they get caught in traps or hunted for bushmeat. But some former hunters are now working to protect them, thanks to education and community programs.

Climate change is exacerbating the situation. Weather changes are affecting the forest and reducing the wild fruits these gorillas need to survive.

Recent studies indicate that Cross River gorillas now inhabit small, isolated forest patches. That’s a big problem. Without safe forest paths connecting these patches, the gorillas can’t find mates, escape threats, or grow healthy families.

What’s Being Done?

The good news is, Nigeria hasn’t given up. Groups such as the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation are collaborating with local communities. They train forest patrols to protect the gorillas and their nests. In some villages, people have become “gorilla guardians,” tracking the movements of these primates and planting native trees to help rebuild lost forests.

One major success? Conservationists recently helped link patches of forest across the border into Cameroon. This new wildlife corridor provides gorillas with more room to roam, a small but significant win.

Cross River National Park is another safe zone for the gorillas. However, illegal logging remains a significant problem, and forest rangers require additional support and funding.

Why It Matters

Cross River gorillas help forests thrive. As they eat fruits and scatter seeds, they keep the forest healthy and growing. These forests also help combat climate change by storing large amounts of carbon.

What Can You Do?

You can help keep these gorillas wild and free.

• Support groups, such as WCS or local conservation teams. 
• Share their stories, awareness brings action. 
• Say no to bushmeat, especially if you live near these forests. 
• Support tree planting and eco-friendly farming in your area.

Protecting these gorillas requires time, money, and dedicated individuals who care. But from local villagers to scientists and everyday people like you, there’s a growing army of hope.

Let’s not wait until these amazing creatures are gone to realize how much they matter. The time to act is now.

Across Nigeria’s rivers, rainforests, grasslands, and skies, a quiet crisis is emerging, and most people don’t even notice. There are no headlines, no protests. However, what’s happening is serious: our forests are thinning out, rivers are becoming polluted, and many of our animals, such as elephants, manatees, gorillas, and rare birds, are disappearing.

This isn’t just a problem for the animals. It’s a problem for us too.

Nigeria is blessed with a rich and beautiful natural environment. We have amazing creatures that exist nowhere else in the world, like the gentle manatees gliding through the Niger Delta, or the shy Cross River gorillas in the highlands. These animals are special, not just because they’re rare, but because they play a crucial role in maintaining our environment’s health.

Sadly, many of them are in danger. And if we lose them, we lose more than just wildlife; we lose part of who we are, and part of what keeps our land and water safe and alive.

That’s why this article series was created.

In the coming stories, we’ll take you on a journey into Nigeria’s wild places, places most of us never get to see. We’ll introduce you to animals whose lives are connected to ours in surprising ways. You’ll learn about monkeys that help protect mangroves, birds that balance nature, and river creatures that clean our waters, all without ever asking for anything in return.

Each of these animals has its own story. Each one faces threats like deforestation, hunting, pollution, and climate change. But there’s also hope, because more and more Nigerians are stepping up to protect them.

This is a story of courage and care, of local people, students, and young activists choosing to stand up for the natural world. They’re not using violence or anger. They’re using knowledge, love for the land, and the power of speaking out.

We’re not here to scare you or make you feel helpless. We’re here to show you why this matters and how you can be part of the solution because protecting Nigeria’s wildlife also means safeguarding clean water, healthy forests, safe weather, tourism, jobs, culture, and national pride.

So let’s begin this journey together.

Let’s hear the stories of these animals and speak up for them, before it’s too late.

When we think of survival in harsh environments—heat, drought, disease—few things are more impressive than the plants that thrive across Africa’s diverse landscapes.

For centuries, African communities have relied on native plants for food, medicine, water, and as a source of protection. Today, scientists are catching up to what traditional healers and farmers have known all along: these plants are potent.

Baobab: The Tree That Holds Water Like a Tank

Known as the “Tree of Life,” the baobab (Adansonia digitata) is a true African icon.

Why it’s incredible:

• Its massive trunk can store up to 120,000 liters of water to survive dry seasons.
• The leaves, bark, seeds, and fruit are all useful.
• The baobab fruit is rich in vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants, earning it the title of a “superfood” worldwide.

Where it grows: Found across sub-Saharan Africa, especially in the Sahel, savannas, and Madagascar.

Traditional uses:

• Treating fevers, diarrhea, and skin infections
• Making nutritious porridge or juice
• Weaving ropes and fabric from the bark

Moringa: The Miracle Tree You Can Eat from Root to Leaf

Moringa (Moringa oleifera), often called the “drumstick tree” or “miracle tree,” grows easily in dry climates and is a nutritional powerhouse.

Why it’s incredible:

• The leaves contain all nine essential amino acids, a rarity among plants.
• It’s rich in iron, protein, calcium, and vitamin A.
• Drought-resistant and grows fast.

Where it grows: Northern Nigeria, Niger, Kenya, and throughout East and West Africa.

Traditional uses:

• Leaf powder as a nutritional supplement
• Seed oil for skincare
• Treating malnutrition and high blood pressure
• Purifying water using crushed seeds

Aloe Ferox: Africa’s Healing Succulent

Cousin to the popular aloe vera, Aloe ferox is a spiky desert plant native to Southern and Eastern Africa. It thrives in poor soils and harsh sun.

Why it’s incredible:

• Stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves — drought doesn’t bother it.
• Used in traditional medicine and now modern cosmetics.

Medicinal benefits:

• Treats wounds, burns, and digestive problems
• Acts as a laxative
• Used in skin creams and detox juices

Where it grows: South Africa, Lesotho, and dry regions of East Africa

Bitter Kola: Nature’s Energy Booster and Infection Fighter

Called “Orogbo” in Yoruba and “Aki ilu” in Igbo, bitter kola (Garcinia kola) has been chewed for centuries as a stimulant and medicinal plant.

Why it’s incredible:

• Has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties
• Said to boost energy
• Helps relieve coughs and sore throats

Traditional uses:

• Treating chest colds and infections
• Modern research is exploring its use against respiratory viruses

Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca)

This tough tree grows in deserts and semi-arid lands, where almost nothing else can survive.

Why it’s incredible:

• Produces edible fruits and seeds even in extreme drought
• Seeds contain oil used for cooking and cosmetics
• Leaves are used to treat wounds and fevers

Where it grows: Sahel region — from Senegal to Sudan

Local knowledge: Communities use it for everything from cooking oil to fencing and medicine.

Traditional Knowledge Meets Modern Science

Many of these plants were once dismissed as “folk medicine,” but now scientists are confirming their value.

• Universities and research labs are investigating how moringa helps combat malnutrition.
• Baobab extract is sold globally in smoothies and supplements.
• Pharmaceutical companies are testing bitter kola and aloe for potential use in modern medicines.

The future of African plant knowledge lies in the fusion of science, culture, and sustainable conservation.

Why It Matters

These plants do more than heal; they represent survival, resilience, and the brilliance of African ecosystems. In the face of climate change, food insecurity, and desertification, they offer tools for a sustainable future.

Mangroves are special shrubs or trees found in coastal areas where salt and freshwater meet. These plants are uniquely adapted to survive in harsh environments, such as saltwater, flooding, and erosion. They are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in tropical and subtropical regions. Mangroves are found in intertidal areas, such as river deltas, estuaries, and shallow lagoons. They can also be found in other open seas, sheltered bays, and fringe islands.

Key Characteristics of Mangroves

1. Salt Tolerance: Mangroves are halophytes, meaning they can grow in salty conditions. 
2. Prop Roots: Their exposed supporting roots help stabilize them in muddy areas.
3. Pneumatophores: Some species have breathing roots that protrude from the mud to absorb air.
4. Buttress Root System: Their strong root systems help them survive in unstable soils.

Where Mangroves Grow

Mangroves are found in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in estuaries, salt marshes, and along muddy or rocky coastlines. They grow in areas with low oxygen, where fine sediments accumulate due to slow-moving waters.

Why Mangroves Matter

Mangroves are incredibly important to both the environment and humans.

• Protect Coastlines: They act as natural barriers against storms, flooding, and erosion.
• Support Marine Life: Mangroves provide shelter and breeding grounds for a diverse array of fish, crabs, birds, and other marine organisms.
• Store Carbon: They absorb and store carbon dioxide, helping to fight climate change.
• Improve Water Quality: Mangrove roots filter pollutants and sediments from the water.
• Provide Resources: They offer food, timber, and livelihoods to local communities.
• Support Other Ecosystems: Mangroves protect nearby coral reefs and seagrass meadows by trapping sediment that could harm these ecosystems.

Mangroves in Nigeria

Nigeria is home to the largest mangrove forest in Africa and the third-largest in the world, located in the Niger Delta region.

Location

The Niger Delta spans nine states, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Cross River.

Common Species

The most common mangroves in Nigeria are:

• Red Mangroves (Rhizophora species)
• Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans)
• White Mangroves
• Golden Leather Fern

Importance

The mangroves in the Niger Delta are vital for:

• Protecting coastlines and communities from natural disasters.
• Supporting marine and terrestrial life.
• Providing essential resources for millions of people in the region.

Threats to Mangroves

Mangroves in Nigeria face several challenges, including:

• Oil Spills and Pollution: Widespread oil exploration has destroyed large areas of mangroves.
• Deforestation and Urbanization: Human activities and land development reduce mangrove forests.
• Invasive Species: Plants like the Nipa palm outcompete native mangroves.
• Climate Change: Rising sea levels and shifting weather patterns pose a threat to mangrove habitats.

Efforts to Protect Mangroves

Several initiatives aim to conserve mangroves in Nigeria and globally:

• Mangrove for Life Project: Launched in 2021 to restore Nigeria’s mangroves.
• UN-REDD Programme: Trains local communities to protect mangroves and cut invasive plants.
• Global Mangrove Alliance: Promotes conservation and regrowth worldwide.
• Community Action: Local groups and conservationists are working to replant and safeguard mangrove forests.

Mangroves are not just trees; they are lifelines for coastal communities and critical ecosystems. Protecting them is essential for biodiversity, climate stability, and the well-being of millions of people. By conserving mangroves, we protect ourselves and the planet.

When people hear the word “carbon,” the first thought that comes to mind is usually “pollution” or “climate change.” However, carbon plays a crucial role within forests.

Let’s delve into the world of forest carbon, discover how it works, and explore whether it’s beneficial or detrimental, as well as how our everyday actions—often without our awareness—impact this delicate balance.

What is Forest Carbon?

Simply put, forest carbon refers to the carbon stored in forests. Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, converting it into biomass, comprising trunks, branches, leaves, roots, and even the soil. This process helps reduce the amount of CO₂ in the air, making forests one of nature’s most effective tools in combating climate change.

That’s why forests are often called carbon sinks—they “sink” or absorb carbon, locking it away for years, decades, or even centuries.

Is Forest Carbon a Good Thing?

Absolutely. When forests are healthy and thriving, the carbon stored in them is beneficial. It means the forest is actively capturing CO₂ and storing it safely. This helps to cool the planet, stabilize the climate, and support a wide range of life, from birds to insects to humans.

In fact, since 2000, forests have been removing approximately 2 billion metric tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere every year. That’s roughly the same as the annual emissions of hundreds of millions of cars.

When Does Carbon Become a Problem?

Carbon in forests becomes a problem not because of the carbon itself, but because of what humans do that releases that stored carbon back into the atmosphere.

Here’s how we’re unknowingly turning forests from carbon savers into carbon sources:

• Deforestation and Land Use Change

Cutting down trees for farming, roads, or cities instantly releases the carbon stored in those trees. It’s like smashing a savings bank—years of stored carbon vanish into the air. Tropical deforestation alone accounts for approximately 12–20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

• Forest Degradation

Even without cutting down entire forests, activities such as selective logging, illegal harvesting, or forest fires can damage the ecosystem. This weakens the forest’s ability to store carbon, and in some cases, makes it start emitting more CO₂ than it absorbs.

• Biomass Energy

Burning wood for fuel or turning forests into wood pellets is often marketed as a “green” energy source. However, in reality, this process releases large amounts of carbon and typically involves clearing natural forests to meet energy demands, especially in countries such as Indonesia and parts of Africa.

Climate Change Makes It Worse

To make things worse, the CO₂ we’ve already pumped into the atmosphere is changing the climate, and forests are feeling the heat.

• More Wildfires: Hotter, drier conditions are increasing the number and intensity of forest fires. These fires release massive amounts of carbon and destroy trees that would otherwise help absorb it.
• Rainfall Changes: Unpredictable rain patterns stress trees, slow down growth, and reduce carbon absorption.
• Soil Degradation: Warming temperatures and shifting weather patterns also damage the forest floor. Since soil stores a tremendous amount of carbon, this is a big problem.

These effects create a dangerous feedback loop: climate change harms forests, and damaged forests make climate change worse by releasing even more CO₂.

What Can We Do About It?

We can still fix this. There are proven solutions that protect forests and the climate at the same time:

• Protect Existing Forests: It’s cheaper and more effective to keep forests intact than to regrow them later.
• Restore Degraded Land: Planting trees and improving soil can help damaged forests recover their ability to store carbon.
• Use Land Wisely: Practices like agroforestry (growing trees alongside crops) can balance food production with environmental protection.
• Support Clean Energy: Transitioning away from fossil fuels and unsustainable biomass to solar, wind, and hydro reduces pressure on forests.
• Engage Local Communities: Forest conservation is most effective when local people are involved and benefit from protecting their environment.

So, is carbon in the forest good or bad? The answer is: It depends on what we do.

When forests are protected and healthy, they are powerful allies in the fight against climate change. However, when forests are destroyed or degraded, often through everyday activities such as farming, construction, or burning wood, they can become part of the problem.

Understanding the role of forest carbon helps us appreciate just how vital our trees are, not just for their shade or beauty, but for the future of our planet.

Nigeria’s richly biodiverse forests are under increasing threat from a range of illegal activities, including logging, poaching, and agricultural encroachment. These activities not only decimate valuable ecosystems and contribute to climate change but also pose significant national security challenges. 

The Nigerian Forest Service (NFSS), formerly known as the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Service (NHFSS), plays a vital role as a frontline agency in combating these multifaceted threats. Its personnel are often tasked with patrolling vast and challenging terrains, intercepting illegal operators, and enforcing forestry laws to protect Nigeria’s natural heritage and safeguard its national interests. The effectiveness of the NFSS is crucial for the sustainable management of Nigeria’s forests and the preservation of its biodiversity for future generations.

From Traditional Hunters to Modern Conservation Force

Officially renamed in late 2024, the NFSS transformed both title and purpose. The shift, announced by Commander-General Dr. Wole Joshua Osatimehin, aligns with a pending bill in the National Assembly to integrate traditional hunter groups into a unified forest security architecture.

This is more than a name change; it’s a blueprint for safeguarding Nigeria’s forests, wildlife, and natural resources. It’s about giving teeth to conservation efforts in regions where rangers alone can’t reach and where crimes against nature often go unchecked.

In an earlier article, we discussed the Ecological Significance of Trees and how trees are the lifeblood of ecosystems. We also wrote about Economic Trees and their role in livelihoods. What we’re seeing with the NFSS is the emergence of a structured, strategic initiative that could protect these very assets—our trees, biodiversity, and forest communities—from being lost to greed and violence.

Conservation and Security: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Dr. John Metchie, Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence) of the NFSS, emphasized this connection recently during the training of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Provost personnel in Abuja. He described forest guards as “the missing link” in Nigeria’s security framework, underscoring the unique role NFSS can play in bridging the gap between conventional security agencies and the rugged terrains of our forest landscapes.

“The forest guards possess credible and actionable intelligence that could help tackle insecurity in the forested regions,” he said. And when we talk about insecurity, we’re not just talking about kidnappers and bandits. We’re talking about illegal loggers decimating forests that took centuries to grow. We’re talking about poachers who eliminate rare species for black market profits. All of it is connected.

It’s a conservation issue. It’s a climate issue. And yes, it’s a human safety issue too.

Collaboration is Key

Support for the NFSS has been growing. Agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have thrown their weight behind the service, acknowledging that no single agency can secure Nigeria’s forests alone.

CP Ajao Adewale of the NPF highlighted the strategic value of intelligence sharing and collaboration. NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) emphasized the importance of cooperation in tackling drug-related crimes, often linked to forest routes. And NSCDC’s Commandant Olusola Odumosun commended NFSS’s “doggedness and commitment” to national security.

In other words, Nigeria’s security architecture is slowly recognizing that true protection starts with those who know the land.

A Hopeful Future for Nigeria’s Forests

Commander-General Osatimehin’s vision for NFSS includes highly trained operatives working in sync with the military, police, and DSS. His recent initiative to train forest officers in intelligence and surveillance marks a turning point—one where we can truly begin to see forests not as lawless no-man’s-lands but as vital, monitored habitats deserving of protection.

If fully empowered, the NFSS could become a conservation game-changer—not only reducing insecurity but also preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s forests, its flora, and fauna. Imagine a network of trained forest guardians working side by side with communities, protecting ancient trees and rare species we wrote about—trees with deep ecological and economic value.

It’s time we saw forest protection not just as a green issue, but as a national one. And the Nigerian Forest Security Service may be the boots on the ground we’ve been waiting for.