Lesson 1Foot, vehicle, and mixed-mode patrol tacticsThis section compares tactics for foot, vehicle, and mixed-mode patrols. Participants will choose methods based on terrain, threats, and missions, coordinating dismounts, drop-offs, and support to maximise coverage while ensuring safety and stealth in Nigerian forests.
Foot patrol formations and spacingVehicle convoy and spacing rulesDismount and pick-up proceduresMixed-mode coverage of large areasTactics for rapid response patrolsLesson 2Route selection: covering patrol trails, outposts, entrance gate, high-value habitat, and access roadsThis section covers selecting and prioritising patrol routes across trails, outposts, gates, habitats, and access roads. Participants will balance coverage, risk, terrain, and time to design routes that deter threats and protect vital resources in Nigeria.
Mapping trails and fixed outpostsSecuring entrance gates and checkpointsProtecting high-value wildlife habitatMonitoring access and logging roadsBalancing coverage, risk, and timeLesson 3Designing daily and nightly patrol schedules for a 7-day cycleThis section guides creating realistic 7-day patrol schedules for day and night. It covers shift design, rest cycles, route and role rotations, and integrating intelligence and community events into weekly planning for Nigerian rangers.
Defining patrol objectives per weekDay versus night shift structuringRotating routes and ranger rolesIntegrating intel and local eventsReviewing and adjusting schedulesLesson 4Navigation and route recording: waypoint logging, trackback, map annotationThis section teaches practical navigation and route recording with GPS and maps. Participants will log waypoints, record tracks, use trackback, and annotate maps to document patrols, support evidence, and enhance future planning in Nigeria.
Waypoint naming and categorisationRecording and saving patrol tracksUsing trackback to retrace routesAnnotating paper and digital mapsExporting data for reports and casesLesson 5Patrol frequency models: continuous, randomisation, hotspot-focusedThis section explains designing patrol frequency patterns to deter offenders and cover hotspots. Participants will compare continuous, randomised, and hotspot-focused models, combining them to match threat levels and resource limits in Nigeria.
Continuous coverage model basicsRandomised patrol timing methodsHotspot-focused deployment plansAdapting models to seasonal threatsEvaluating deterrence effectivenessLesson 6Using simple tech: handheld GPS, VHF/UHF radios, camera traps placement and maintenance, acoustic sensors, drone employment principles if permittedThis section introduces practical use of GPS, radios, camera traps, acoustic sensors, and drones where allowed. Participants will apply simple workflows for deployment, maintenance, data handling, and safe, lawful operations in Nigerian fields.
Handheld GPS setup and field useVHF/UHF radio discipline basicsCamera trap placement and servicingAcoustic sensor roles and limitsDrone employment rules and safetyLesson 7Basic patrol equipment checklist: PPE, lights, radios, GPS, first aid, evidence collection kitThis section details essential patrol gear, focusing on PPE, lighting, communications, navigation, first aid, and evidence tools. Participants will check readiness, pack efficiently, and maintain equipment for safe, lawful field work in Nigeria.
Core PPE for forest patrol dutiesRadio, GPS, and lighting essentialsFirst aid kit contents and layoutEvidence collection kit and sealsPre-departure inspection routineLesson 8Night operations: movement discipline, use of lights, thermal/IR basic conceptsThis section prepares rangers for safe, discreet night patrols. It covers movement discipline, noise and light control, basic thermal and IR concepts, and adapting tactics to low visibility while minimising risks to rangers, wildlife, and civilians in Nigeria.
Noise, spacing, and hand signalsUse of white, red, and dimmed lightsAvoiding backlighting and silhouettesBasics of thermal and IR detectionNight risk assessment and abort criteriaLesson 9Patrol team composition: optimal ranger numbers, pairing, lead roles, liaison with policeThis section explains structuring patrol teams, assigning leadership, and defining roles. It covers optimal team size, pairing strategies, task specialisation, and coordination protocols with police and security partners in Nigeria.
Determining optimal team sizeLead ranger and second-in-commandTracker, medic, and radio operator rolesPairing strategies for safetyLiaison procedures with police units
