The Nigerian Army are planning to convert Sambisa Forest and 13 others into an Ecosystem Resort Centre where tourist can visit.
Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff, disclosed this while launching Exercise ‘Harbin Kunama IV’ to chase bandits and insurgents out of forests in Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara states.
He said this in his keynote during a seminar organised by the Nigerian Army on regimentation and combating security challenges associated with forests and protected areas.
Buratai, was represented by Maj. Gen. Ali Nani, Chief of Policy and plans.
Nani listed Kuyan Bana, Dan Saudau and Sububu (Zamfara); Pandogari and Kagara (Niger); Allargano, Sambisa and Chingurmi-Bugama (Borno) as forests for the purpose.
Others are Guljba (Yobe), Rugu (Katsina), as well as Lame Bura and Balmo (Bauchi).
While the game reverses are Allawa and Falgore in Kano State.
In his words, “National parks are designated protected areas that are defined to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated services and cultural values.
“These parks provide a safe haven for our animals and native plants. They also serve as places of tourism that could be a source of foreign exchange earnings.
“The aim is to flush out bandits and insurgents from some identified forest areas.”
