Amid escalating insecurity nationwide, hunters and farmers have urged the Federal Government to officially authorize them to help drive out bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and other criminal elements taking refuge in forests.
The appeal comes from groups such as the Nigerian Forest Security Service, the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria, and the Oodua Peoples.
The Oodua Peoples Congress has declared that it possesses the spiritual fortitude, expertise, and forest-based experience required to tackle terrorism. Their assertion comes amid a renewed wave of terror attacks across the country, with Plateau and Benue states bearing the brunt. Last week, at least 51 people were killed by gunmen in Zikke and Kakpa communities in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State—just two weeks after deadly clashes erupted in the region that left many people dead.
Before last week’s assault, armed attackers had killed at least 52 people and forced nearly 2,000 residents to flee following a series of raids on six villages in Plateau State.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency, 52 fatalities were confirmed, and 22 injured individuals were hospitalized.
In response to the violence, President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to take decisive action against the country’s ongoing security challenges.
President Tinubu also directed a comprehensive revamp of Nigeria’s security approach. However, various groups pointed out that despite the growing threat of forest-related crimes—particularly in border regions—local hunters and security guards continue to be a vital yet largely overlooked resource in tackling insecurity. In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the Commandant General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, Joshua Osatimehin, cautioned that If the forests remain unsecured, they will continue to pose a significant threat to national security. Osatimehin emphasized that without federal recognition and legislative support, forest operatives are unable to take effective action against criminals hiding in the bush.
He stated, “We are familiar with the forests—some of our personnel even live there. However, we cannot launch an offensive against the marauders without official government support. Acting independently could lead to accusations of genocide or other unlawful actions.
“Once the government provides the necessary backing, we’ll have the confidence to deploy all our resources—physical, spiritual, and otherwise—to drive out these criminals (bandits and kidnappers). The truth is, those fueling this insecurity are few in number compared to Nigeria’s population. With the right support from the government, we can defeat them.”
The commandant highlighted that porous borders were a significant factor allowing foreigners to infiltrate the country and cause destruction.
"Our operatives work and live in these forests—farming and hunting here. This familiarity will help us establish a first line of defense before the military or police arrive," he explained.
Though he acknowledged that some forest operatives relied on spiritual means of protection, Osatimehin emphasized that legal support and proper training would be prioritized.
The National Secretary of the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, Danladi Perry emphasized the critical necessity for increased patrols and surveillance, particularly along well-known forest routes frequently used by attackers. "The recent wave of killings in Benue, Plateau, and other northern states highlights the urgency of this action.
" The attacks could have been prevented if the Federal Government had enlisted the help of professional hunters, forest guards, and local vigilantes to patrol our forests, as most of the attackers use the bush as their route. We must increase patrols and surveillance efforts. We are ready and determined to take on this responsibility, but we need support to ensure its success. Also, the bushes around us should be checked regularly,” he added.
The Secretary-General of the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria, Adegbenro Ogunlana, stated that his members were actively using spiritual methods to combat insecurity in the South-West states and ensure the region's safety. He emphasized that without the use of these rituals, the situation would have been much worse.
Ogunlana stated, “They would have been picking us from our houses to kill us. We had our meeting at Shepeteri in Oyo State. The Ifa oracle instructed us to carry out certain sacrifices across South-West states because our people have a hand in the issues we are facing.
"We have arrested some individuals from our communities who were aiding these terrorists. They can’t operate without help from insiders.”
He further stated that the essence of the spiritual means was to restore peace in the region.
“We have turned to spiritual means. We’ve started from Kogi and Kwara, and we’ll extend to the South-West states. Though Kogi and Kwara are in the North, we have Yoruba communities there, and they are also affected by the security challenges.
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