Enforcement Activities and Profiling Techniques of Wildlife Rangers in Nigeria's Lowland Forest Reserves: a Mixed-Methods Study on Wildlife Law Transgressions

This mixed-methods study investigates the enforcement activities and profiling techniques employed by wildlife rangers in Nigeria's lowland forest reserves to address wildlife law transgressions. The research integrates enforcement strategies, socio-economic factors, community involvement, and governance structures to evaluate the effectiveness of ranger activities. Data collection was conducted in the Omo Biosphere Reserve, Gele Gele Forest Reserve, and Okomu National Park, utilizing both primary and secondary sources, including interviews with 24 wildlife rangers. Key findings reveal that unauthorized entry, possession of specific tools, and suspicious behaviors are primary indicators used by rangers to identify potential law violators. Poaching activities predominantly occur at night, with armed poachers posing significant challenges. Despite increased patrols and arrests, the study highlights the need for a more holistic approach, including community engagement, strengthened judicial systems, and technological integration, to enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts. These findings underscore the importance of addressing socio-economic drivers and improving enforcement strategies for sustainable management of Nigeria's forest reserves.