Amid rising insecurity across Nigeria, hunters and farmers are calling on the Federal Government to formally empower them to combat bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and other criminal elements hiding in forests. The groups, including the Nigerian Forest Security Service and Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, claim they possess the spiritual ability, knowledge, training, and presence in forests to tackle terrorists.
Recent terror attacks in Plateau and Benue states have left many dead and displaced. In Plateau State, gunmen killed at least 51 people in Zikke and Kakpa communities, following deadly clashes that left many others dead. Prior to this attack, gunmen killed at least 52 people and displaced nearly 2,000 others after several days of attacks on six villages.
President Bola Tinubu has issued a marching order to security agencies to tackle insecurity and ordered a complete overhaul of Nigeria's security strategy. However, hunters and farmers believe they can play a critical role in stemming the tide of insecurity. Joshua Osatimehin, Commandant General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, stressed that without federal recognition and legislation, forest operatives cannot take decisive actions against criminals.
The Nigerian Forest Security Service has spiritual solutions to Nigeria's security challenges, and local hunters possess spiritual powers. A bill aimed at legalizing the operations of the group, including deploying local hunters with spiritual powers, has been passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives and is before President Tinubu for assent. If signed into law, it could potentially obliterate insecurity.
Danladi Perry, National Secretary of the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, emphasized the need for intensified patrols and surveillance, especially along known forest routes exploited by attackers. Adegbenro Ogunlana, Secretary-General of the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria, stated that his men are already deploying spiritual means against insecurity across South-West states.
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