Amid the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in states such as Plateau and Benue, local hunters and farmers are urging the Federal Government to officially recognize and support their efforts to combat bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and other criminals who operate in the country’s forests. These groups, including the Nigerian Forest Security Service, Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria, and the Oodua Peoples Congress, believe they have the expertise, training, and deep forest presence necessary to take on terrorists and armed criminals.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Recent attacks have caused significant loss of life, such as the massacre of 51 people in the Plateau State’s Bassa Local Government Area. In response, President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to address these issues and overhaul Nigeria’s security strategy. However, the hunting and forest guard groups assert that local hunters have long been an underutilized resource and could be a key force in reducing insecurity.

Joshua Osatimehin, Commandant General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, emphasized that while forest operatives have the necessary knowledge of the terrain and experience living and working in the forests, they cannot act effectively without legal backing. Osatimehin argued that without proper governmental support, taking action against criminals could lead to accusations of illegal activities.

“We need government backing to provide us with the necessary resources and authority to take effective action against the criminals. We know the terrain well, and with the right support, we can make a significant difference,” he said. He also highlighted the critical role of local hunters in defending the forests before military or police forces can intervene.

Danladi Perry, National Secretary of the Professional Hunters Association, called for enhanced patrols and surveillance, particularly along routes often used by attackers. He suggested that government support could facilitate more intensive monitoring of forest areas, potentially preventing many attacks before they occur.

Adegbenro Ogunlana, Secretary-General of the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society, stated that spiritual means were already being deployed to protect the South-West from insecurity. Ogunlana shared that spiritual practices were essential in combating criminal activities, but emphasized that a coordinated, physical effort backed by the government would be crucial for long-term success.

In a similar vein, Alhaji Muhammad Ahmed, Commander of Patrol and Guards in the North-Central region, stressed that a proposed bill currently before President Tinubu could provide the legal framework needed to formalize the role of local hunters and forest security operatives. Once signed into law, the bill would authorize the deployment of both physical and spiritual strategies to address security threats effectively.

These groups are calling on the government to take immediate steps to formalize their involvement in tackling Nigeria’s security crisis, which they believe is vital for restoring peace and stability in affected regions.