By: News Team
Date: April 26, 2025
As Nigeria battles a surge in violent attacks and forest-based crimes, local hunters and traditional groups are calling on the Federal Government to authorize them to defend the nation with both physical and spiritual warfare.
With insecurity escalating across Nigeria—especially in Plateau and Benue states—several traditional groups and forest-based operatives have urged the Federal Government to officially recognize and empower them to fight back against bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and other criminal gangs hiding within the nation’s vast forests.
Speaking with NIGPOST, representatives from the Nigerian Forest Security Service, the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society, and the Oodua Peoples Congress argued that they possess both the spiritual capacity and forest expertise to uproot criminals where government forces have struggled.
In recent weeks, over 100 people have been killed in separate attacks across communities in Plateau State alone, leaving thousands displaced. Following the incidents, President Bola Tinubu ordered an overhaul of the country’s security approach and directed security forces to act decisively. However, these traditional groups insist their involvement is crucial for any lasting solution.
Commandant General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, Joshua Osatimehin, explained that while their men are deeply rooted in the forests, they lack the legal authority to act effectively. “We understand the terrain better than anyone. Many of us live in these forests. But without government recognition, we risk being labeled as criminals for defending our land,” he said.
He noted that the operatives, with adequate logistics and formal support, could suppress the violence through both conventional and spiritual means. “We can dislodge these terrorists, but we need the government to back us up legally so we won’t be accused of extrajudicial actions,” he added.
Highlighting the issue of porous borders, Osatimehin stressed that many attackers are foreigners infiltrating through unsecured routes. “Our men are already in these forests and can form the first line of defense before the military arrives,” he stated.
Danladi Perry, National Secretary of the Professional Hunters Association, emphasized the need for consistent patrols along known forest paths. “If hunters and forest guards were deployed, we could prevent many of these ambushes,” he said.
The Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria also claims to be engaging in spiritual warfare to protect communities in the South-West. According to its Secretary-General, Adegbenro Ogunlana, certain sacrifices, and spiritual rituals have helped avert larger-scale tragedies. “Without our spiritual interventions, things would have been worse,” he insisted.
Ogunlana revealed that their operations have expanded from Kogi and Kwara to other Yoruba-speaking regions, noting the critical need for self-defense in the absence of effective government protection. He lamented the lack of a central Yoruba authority to coordinate responses to the attacks.
Meanwhile, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, acknowledged rising tensions in the region and said he is consulting elders and gathering intelligence as concerns mount over terrorists infiltrating communities with mineral resources.
On the legislative front, Commander Alhaji Muhammad Ahmed of the Nigeria Forest Security Service’s North-Central zone revealed that a bill to legalize their operations has passed both chambers of the National Assembly and awaits President Tinubu’s assent. He believes this step is essential to formally enable traditional hunters with spiritual power to play their role in ending the crisis.
Ahmed assured that if the bill is signed into law, the group would swiftly reduce insecurity, especially in forest zones. “Our hunters know these terrains, and with the right tools—both physical and spiritual—we will defeat these criminals,” he said.
As the situation intensifies, these groups are waiting on the government to grant them legal status, training, and logistical support to deploy their unique blend of traditional, local, and spiritual tactics in the fight against banditry and terrorism.
What are your thoughts on involving traditional hunters and spiritual leaders in tackling insecurity? Share your opinion in the comments and follow NIGPOST for more updates on Nigeria’s security efforts.
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