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In the face of increasing insecurity nationwide, hunters and farmers are urging the Federal Government to officially authorize them to eliminate bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and other criminal elements concealed in forests.
The collective, which includes the Nigerian Forest Security Service, the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria, and the Oodua Peoples Congress, contends that they have the necessary spiritual capabilities, expertise, training, and presence in forests to combat terrorism.
There has been a notable increase in terror-related incidents, particularly in Plateau and Benue states. Recently, gunmen killed at least 51 individuals in Zikke and Kakpa communities within the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, just two weeks after violent confrontations in another region of the state resulted in numerous fatalities.
Before last week’s incident, gunmen had claimed the lives of at least 52 people and displaced nearly 2,000 others following several days of assaults on six villages in Plateau. The National Emergency Management Agency confirmed the deaths of 52 individuals, with 22 others receiving medical treatment.
In response to these killings, President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to address the escalating insecurity in the nation.
He also ordered a complete reevaluation of Nigeria’s security strategy. However, the groups assert that with the rise in forest-related crimes, particularly in border regions, local hunters and guards are a crucial but underutilized force in addressing the security crisis.
The Commandant General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, Joshua Osatimehin, warned that not securing the forests would continue to pose a significant menace to national security.
He emphasized that without federal acknowledgment and legislative support, forest operatives cannot take significant action against criminals in the forests.
He stated, “We are familiar with the forests; some of our members reside there, but we cannot confront the marauders without governmental support to avoid being accused of genocide or other unlawful actions. Once the government provides us with the essential backing, we will have the confidence to deploy all our resources,physically, spiritually, and otherwise, to displace these criminals as they are relatively few compared to Nigeria’s population. With the right support, we can defeat them.”
The commandant highlighted that lax borders were a major factor in the continued infiltration of foreigners who commit atrocities in the country. “But our operatives are active in these forests; we engage in farming and hunting there. This strategic position enables us to establish a primary defense before the military or police arrive,” he added.
While acknowledging the presence of some forest operatives with spiritual protection measures, Osatimehin insisted on the prioritization of legal backing and appropriate training.
The National Secretary of the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria,Danladi Perry, underscored the urgent requirement for intensified patrols and surveillance, especially along known forest paths used by attackers.
“The wave of killings in Benue, Plateau, and other northern states could have been averted if the Federal Government had involved professional hunters, forest guards, and local vigilantes to secure our forests, as most of the attackers navigate through these bushes. We need to enhance patrols and surveillance. We are courageous and prepared for this mission, but we require assistance to improve our patrol efforts. Additionally, the surrounding bushes must be regularly monitored,” he explained.
Secretary-General of the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria, Adegbenro Ogunlana, announced that his group was already utilizing spiritual methods to combat insecurity across the South-West region.
He indicated that without these spiritual interventions, significant problems would have arisen.
Ogunlana stated, “Had it not been for the rituals we are performing, we would have faced severe dangers. We convened a meeting in Oyo State, where the Ifa oracle directed us to undertake specific sacrifices across the South-West, as our communities contribute to the security issues we are experiencing. We have detained individuals from our communities who were assisting these terrorists. They cannot operate without local support.”
He reiterated that the goal of these spiritual practices is to restore tranquility in the region. “We have commenced our efforts in Kogi and Kwara and will expand to the South-West. While Kogi and Kwara are situated in the North, they have Yoruba populations who are also confronted with security challenges.”
Ogunlana pointed out that the Yoruba community suffers from a lack of unified leadership, stating, “Our government is opposed to self-defense, but these aggressors are using these situations to exploit us.” Asked whether he would resort to spiritual means in addressing insecurity, Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, remarked that such decisions are personal. Nonetheless, Adams suggested that preparations are underway “beneath the surface.”
Adams indicated, “What I observe is that the pattern of insecurity is increasing nationwide. It is spreading across the country. If 70% of Kwara State consists of Yoruba people, then this issue is gradually affecting us. The situations in Ondo State and parts of Ekiti State are alarming, and we are experiencing conflicts in this area.”
He acknowledged consulting with several elders regarding the matter, stating, “We have received indications that infiltrators are present in Ibadan; therefore, discussions with a few elders are ongoing. We have intelligence suggesting that these terrorists have breached our communities, especially those rich in solid minerals.
This is due to their access to information from the Ministry of Minerals, identifying the areas abundant in lucrative minerals. Many affected communities are those rich in such resources. Our politicians are not taking appropriate action regarding this situation.”
The Commander of Patrol and Guards for the Nigeria Forest Security Service in North-Central, Muhammad Ahmed, asserted that the country’s security dilemmas could be resolved if President Tinubu signed a pending bill into law.
He stated that the Nigeria Forest Security Service, previously recognized as the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, possesses spiritual remedies for the nation’s security issues.
Ahmed reported that the bill is designed to legitimize the group’s operations, incorporating local hunters who possess spiritual abilities to address security maladies.
He noted that the bill is awaiting the President’s approval after passing through both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
He expressed conviction that once the bill is enacted, security challenges would diminish significantly, stating, “It (insecurity) will be eradicated because local hunters+ are familiar with the areas where terrorists operate in the forests, and they have been engaging with these criminals directly.
We are urging the President to endorse the bill that will authorize our activities, allowing us to contribute effectively to solving security issues. The Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service has much to offer.”
