‘Helicopter deployment for wildlife protection, not illegal mining’

The Conservator of Gumpti National Park in Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State, Joseph Ntui, has dismissed speculations about the use of a helicopter in the park, which was alleged to be used for illegal mining activities.
   
Addressing journalists in his office yesterday, Ntui confirmed that the helicopter, procured by the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, is part of efforts to protect the park from threats like banditry, poaching, illegal mining, and unauthorised grazing, among others.
   
Describing the helicopter as a “game changer,” he emphasised that it allows rangers to cover the park’s vast 6,731-square-kilometer area swiftly, while improving on their ability to respond to threats. 
   
According to him, the helicopter is used for surveillance and transportation of rangers to various designated points in the park, eliminating the need for long treks, which previously took rangers several days to reach their duty posts.
   
“The helicopter people are speculating about is used for surveillance, patrol, and deploying rangers. It is not used for lifting gold or diamonds,” he clarified.