The Federal Government has warned that illegal wildlife trade is still a serious problem in Nigeria, saying it continues to threaten the country’s wildlife and biodiversity.

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, gave the warning during the 2026 World Ranger Day celebration held in Abuja. He said the world is facing a major biodiversity crisis, while climate change is changing ecosystems and natural habitats.

Lawal praised Nigeria’s park rangers, describing them as the first line of defence in protecting the country’s forests, animals and natural resources. He said rangers work across national parks, including Cross River National Park, Kainji Lake National Park, Chad Basin National Park and Gashaka Gumti National Park, where they help preserve wildlife and protect the environment.

He said World Ranger Day, which has been observed for 20 years, recognises the courage, sacrifice and dedication of park rangers who risk their lives to protect nature.

According to the minister, this year’s theme, “Rangers: Guardians of a Changing Planet,” reflects the growing environmental challenges facing the world.

Lawal said rangers now play a bigger role than ever before. Besides protecting wildlife, they help detect invasive species, monitor the effects of climate change and drought, and respond to emerging environmental threats.

He noted that rangers often put their lives at risk to stop activities that could lead to the extinction of endangered plants and animals.

Also speaking at the event, Conservator General of the National Park Service, Ibrahim Goni, said park rangers continue to battle armed poachers, illegal mining, illegal logging, human wildlife conflicts and other organised crimes, including terrorism, banditry, insurgency and kidnapping.

Goni added that rangers are also involved in tree planting, restoring damaged forests and educating communities on environmental conservation.

He described the 20th anniversary of World Ranger Day as an important milestone and paid tribute to rangers who lost their lives while protecting Nigeria’s national parks.

According to him, the fallen officers include six rangers from Old Oyo National Park, four from Kainji Lake National Park, three from Chad Basin National Park, seven from Cross River National Park, one from Kamuku National Park and two from Okomu National Park.

Goni also commended rangers from Old Oyo National Park for helping to rescue 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

He said the successful operation showed that park rangers now play an important role in protecting both wildlife and human lives.