As violent attacks surge across Nigeria, a powerful coalition of hunters, farmers, and traditional groups is calling on President Bola Tinubu to give them the legal backing to launch a combined physical and spiritual offensive against terrorists hiding in the nation’s forests.
Groups including the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria (PHAN), Agbekoya Farmers’ Society, and the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) are urging the Federal Government to recognize them as frontline defenders in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. These groups claim they possess not just the tactical knowledge of forest terrain, but also spiritual powers to root out insurgents.
Terror on the Rise: Over 100 Killed in Plateau Attacks
Their plea comes amid renewed attacks in Plateau and Benue states. In just one week, gunmen slaughtered at least 51 people in Zikke and Kakpa communities in Plateau’s Bassa Local Government Area. This followed a wave of deadly clashes two weeks earlier, where 52 people were also confirmed dead and nearly 2,000 displaced, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
In response, President Tinubu ordered a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security strategy and directed law enforcement to take decisive action. Yet, security experts and local vigilante leaders insist that the forests, where terrorists thrive, remain dangerously unprotected.
We Know the Forests, We Live in Them, Hunters Want Legal Backing
Joshua Osatimehin, Commandant General of the NFSS, emphasized the urgent need for government recognition.
“We understand the forests; some of our men live there. But without legal backing, we can’t take action. We could be charged with genocide if we strike first,” he said.
According to him, empowering forest security operatives would dramatically reduce the bloodshed. He stressed that spiritual warfare, local knowledge, and swift logistics support could “dislodge bandits and kidnappers” in days.
Traditional Forces Already Using Spiritual Protection
The Agbekoya Farmers’ Society revealed they have already started spiritual interventions across South-West Nigeria to combat insecurity. Secretary-General Adegbenro Ogunlana stated that traditional rituals and Ifa oracles have prevented further bloodshed.
“They would have been killing us in our homes if not for the spiritual steps we’ve taken,” Ogunlana declared, adding that sacrifices have been carried out in key Yoruba regions like Oyo, Kogi, and Kwara.
He also revealed that insiders aiding terrorists had been arrested based on spiritual revelations.
Yoruba Leader Gani Adams Confirms Infiltration, Consults Elders
Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, confirmed that terrorists have infiltrated Yoruba lands, especially mineral-rich communities. While stopping short of confirming spiritual warfare plans, Adams hinted at “underground efforts” and consultations with elders.
“We know they are here. The intelligence reports are troubling,” he said, urging urgent collaboration and intelligence-sharing to curb the spread.
Bill to Legalize Hunters’ Operations Awaits Tinubu’s Signature
Alhaji Muhammad Ahmed, Commander of Patrol and Guards for NFSS in North-Central Nigeria, stressed that a bill to officially recognize forest hunters has already passed the National Assembly and is currently awaiting Tinubu’s assent.
“We have the spiritual and tactical solutions. Our hunters know these forests like the back of their hands. They’ve faced the terrorists before,” he said confidently.
Ahmed believes signing the bill will unlock a powerful new layer of defense against growing insecurity.
