Amid escalating insecurity across Nigeria, traditional hunters and farmers have called on the federal government to officially empower their groups to combat banditry, Boko Haram insurgents, and other criminal elements operating in the nation’s forests.
Organizations such as the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria, and the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) assert that they possess the necessary spiritual knowledge, training, and intimate familiarity with forest terrains to effectively confront these threats.
The call for empowerment comes in the wake of a resurgence of terror attacks, particularly in Plateau and Benue states. In recent weeks, gunmen have killed over 100 individuals and displaced nearly 2,000 others in multiple attacks on villages in Plateau State.
The National Emergency Management Agency confirmed that 52 people were killed, with 22 others hospitalized following a series of assaults on six villages.
In response to these incidents, President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify efforts against insecurity and has ordered a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security strategy.
However, the aforementioned groups argue that while forest-based crimes are on the rise, local hunters and guards remain an underutilized force in addressing the tide of insecurity.
Joshua Osatimehin, Commandant General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, emphasized that without formal recognition and legislation, forest operatives cannot take decisive actions against criminals.
He stated, “We understand the forests; some of our operatives live there, but we cannot just attack the marauders without the government’s backing so that we will not be charged with genocide and other forms of illegal operations.”
He further noted that with the necessary support, these groups could deploy both physical and spiritual strategies to dislodge the criminals, as their numbers are relatively small compared to Nigeria’s population.
The National Secretary of the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, Danladi Perry, highlighted the urgent need for intensified patrols and surveillance, especially along known forest routes often exploited by attackers. He stated, “The spate of killings in Benue, Plateau, and other northern states would have been prevented if the Federal Government had engaged professional hunters, forest guards, and local vigilantes to man our forests, because most of the attackers’ routes are the bush.”
Adegbenro Ogunlana, Secretary-General of the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria, revealed that their members have been employing spiritual means to combat insecurity across the South-West states.
He noted that without these spiritual interventions, the situation would have been dire. Ogunlana stated, “We have arrested some individuals from our communities who were aiding these terrorists. They can’t operate without help from insiders.”
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has also advocated for constitutional recognition of the Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service within the nation’s security architecture. He commended the efforts of the service in complementing the activities of other security agencies in tackling insecurity, stating that such recognition would significantly reduce banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of security challenges confronting Nigeria.
Ambassador Johnny Metchie, Deputy Commander-General of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, proposed converting the service into the Nigeria Forest Guard Services.
He argued that this move would enhance national security and safeguard ungoverned territories, thereby promoting sustainable economic development.
The groups are urging President Tinubu to assent to the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Bill, which has already passed through the National Assembly and is awaiting presidential approval. They believe that formal recognition and support would bolster their capacity to combat criminal activities in the forests and contribute significantly to national security efforts.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with rising insecurity, empowering local communities with the necessary tools and recognition may be a crucial step toward reclaiming the nation’s forests and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
