The Chief Hunter of Borno state, Mallam Maigana Maidurma, on Sunday, called on the Nigerian military to allow hunters in the Boko Haram ridden state to join in the fight against terrorism.
Maidurma, who noted that hunters in the state were familiar to the environment around Sambisa forest, also said his colleagues were ready to join the war.
Sambisa forest is believed to be the main hideout of dreaded Boko Haram sect and is alleged to be where the sect had hidden the kidnapped Chibok girls.
The hunters have severally pleaded with the government to allow them join the fight against terrorism, however, neither the government nor military forces have responded to their pleas.
“We are renewing out call on the military authorities to allow us join the search for Boko Haram elements in their Sambisa forest hideout. We are ready to pursue the terrorists because we know the terrain in and out.”
While rejecting the claims that the military was being cautious in not allowing the hunters participate in the fight, Maidurma stated that “we know that it is true that the Boko Haram terrorists are in the habit of burying landmines to prevent encroachment into their hideout.”
“But we believe that we can work in collaboration with Local Vigilantes, called Civilian JTF, to overrun them.”
He further said that because of supernatural powers which some of the hunters have, they are not afraid of insurgents.
“Hunters from all the 27 Borno LGAs are all in Maiduguri with our leaders doing nothing at present because of Boko Haram. Rather than idling away, we will want to assist the military in crushing Boko Haram terrorists.”