Rangers arrest 58 poachers in two years in Yankari Games Reserve

Rangers of Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Yankari Games Reserve in Bauchi State, reportedly arrested 23 poachers in 2020 and 35 poachers in 2019.

Also, a gang of seven poachers was arrested in the reserve with AK-47 rifle and other dangerous arms.

A statement, yesterday, by Nigeria’s Country Director, WCS, Mr. Andrew Dunn in Calabar, said: “Acting on intelligence, rangers from the Yankari Games Reserve undertook a daring operation on March 7, 2021, resulting in arrest of a group of seven poachers inside the reserve. The gang entered the reserve with a Toyota Hilux 4×4 Pick-up truck and the self-proclaimed leader of the group was found in possession of an AK47 semi-automatic rifle, with 23 rounds of ammunition at the time of arrest.

“Rangers also confiscated a shotgun, two dane guns, bush meat from three baboons, cell phones, charms, a floodlight and two head torches.

“Yankari rangers executed a well-coordinated ambush and arrested the gang without any injury sustained during the process. With operational support from WCS, Yankari rangers arrested 23 poachers in 2020 and 35 poachers in 2019.

“ The poachers were transferred to the police division at Mainamaji, and the case has since been transferred to the Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Bauchi for further investigation and prosecution”.

The WCS Yankari Landscape Director in Yankari, Mr. Nacha Geoffrey expressed strong support for Yankari rangers, who were able to execute such a dangerous law enforcement operation at night in a highly professional and safe manner.

Dunn said: “WCS will continue to work closely with the Bauchi State Government and local security agencies to ensure adequate security for the reserve and surrounding communities. WCS is committed to the proper protection of Yankari, so that it continues to be a favourite destination for tourists in Nigeria and the best place in the country to encounter wildlife…”