Amid rising insecurity in Nigeria, hunters and farmers are urging the Federal Government to empower them. They believe they can help flush out bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and other criminals hiding in forests. Groups like the Nigerian Forest Security Service, Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, Agbekoya Farmers’ Society, and Oodua Peoples Congress claim they have the skills, knowledge, and spiritual ability to tackle these threats.
Terror attacks have surged, especially in Plateau and Benue states. Last week, gunmen killed 51 people in Zikke and Kakpa communities in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. This followed deadly clashes two weeks earlier that left many dead. Additionally, gunmen killed at least 52 people and displaced nearly 2,000 others in six villages in Plateau just before last week’s attack.
President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to address rising insecurity. He also mandated a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security strategy. However, the groups argue that local hunters and forest guards remain underutilized.
Speaking with The Naija Post , Joshua Osatimehin, Commandant General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, warned that failing to secure forests threatens national security. He emphasized the need for federal recognition and legislation to enable decisive action against criminals.
He said, “We understand the forests; some of our operatives live there. Without government backing, we cannot confront marauders. If the government supports us, we will deploy all our resources—physical, spiritual, and otherwise—to dislodge these criminals. These bandits and kidnappers are few compared to Nigeria’s population. We can defeat them with proper support.”
Osatimehin added that porous borders allow foreigners to infiltrate and wreak havoc. “Our operatives work in these forests; we farm and hunt there. This makes it easier for us to form a first line of defense before the military or police intervene,” he stated.
Danladi Perry, National Secretary of the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, stressed the need for intensified patrols. He noted, “The killings in Benue, Plateau, and other northern states could have been prevented if professional hunters and vigilantes were engaged. Most attackers use forest routes. We need logistics support to improve patrols.”
Adegbenro Ogunlana, Secretary-General of the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society, said his men are already using spiritual means to combat insecurity in South-West states. He explained, “If not for the fetishes being made, there would have been serious problems. We have arrested insiders aiding terrorists. They cannot operate without local help.”
Alhaji Muhammad Ahmed, Commander of Patrol and Guards for the Nigeria Forest Security Service in the North-Central region, expressed confidence in addressing insecurity. He said President Tinubu must sign a bill legalizing their operations.
Ahmed explained, “Our real hunters have spiritual powers. The Senate and House of Representatives have passed the bill. It is now before the President. Once signed, insecurity will end because our hunters know the terrain where terrorists operate.”
These groups believe legal and logistical empowerment will reduce rising insecurity. They urge the government to act swiftly and leverage their potential.
