Hunters And Farmers To Tinubu: “Empower Us To Hunt Down Bandits, Secure Nigeria’s Forests”

In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and banditry, hunters and farmers have called on President Bola Tinubu to officially authorize them to eliminate criminal elements taking refuge in the nation’s forests.

Groups including the Nigerian Forest Security Service, Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria, and the Oodua Peoples Congress urged the President to sign a pending bill recognizing them as a paramilitary force capable of protecting the country’s vast woodlands.

Commandant General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, Joshua Osatimehin, stressed that hunters have the spiritual strength, tactical expertise, and deep-rooted presence within forests to take on terrorists hiding in remote areas. However, without government backing, their actions could be deemed illegal.

“We understand the forests; some of our operatives even live there,” Osatimehin said. “With the right support, we can deploy our arsenals — physically, spiritually, and otherwise — to drive out the bandits and kidnappers.”

Danladi Perry, National Secretary of the Professional Hunters Association, emphasized that many deadly attacks in Benue, Plateau, and other northern states could have been prevented with greater patrols by professional hunters and forest guards.

Similarly, Alhaji Muhammad Ahmed, Commander of Patrol and Guards for the Nigeria Forest Security Service in the North-Central region, voiced optimism that with President Tinubu’s approval of the bill, the nation’s worsening security challenges could be decisively addressed.

“The real hunters know the terrain and have the courage to confront terrorists,” Ahmed asserted. “All we ask is legal backing to play our role in restoring peace to our country.”

The hunters and farmers remain steadfast, ready to stand as Nigeria’s first line of defense — if only given the green light.