The Wildlife Ranger Award, sponsored by the Nick Maughan Foundation, gives international recognition to the dedication and commitment of an individual who works in the field to protect Africa’s wildlife.

Suleiman Saidu was employed by the Nigeria National Park Service in 1999 as a park ranger, he progressed through the ranks to become a Senior Game Guard Ranger at the Yankari Game Reserve. His diligence, hard work and honesty earned him the respect and admiration of both his colleagues and his community.

Yankari Game Reserve is home to one of the largest remaining elephant populations in West Africa. Suleiman has driven down cattle grazing in the reserve, clamped down on corruption and drastically reduced the levels of poaching.