HUNTERS in Borno State yesterday called on the
military to allow them join in the war against insurgents in Sambisa Forest,
the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported.
This would not be the first time the hunters would
offer to help.
In September 2014, about 12,000 volunteers,
including hunters, gathered in Maiduguri, at the palace of the Shehu of Borno,
Abubakar Umar Ibn- Garbai Elkanemi and urged government to accept their
services in the war against terror.
In November of the same year, over 30,000 hunters
and the civilian JTF were reportedly mobilised by the Emir of Mubi in Adamawa
State, and they liberated Mubi town from the clutches of Boko Haram, killing
several insurgents in the process.
Regardless, Mallam Mai- Gana Mai-Durma, Borno emir
of the hunters, appealed in Maiduguri when he told newsmen that the call
became imperative because they are familiar with the terrain of the dreaded
forest, hideout and operational base of the terrorists.
“We are appealing to the military authorities to
allow us join the fight against Boko Haram at the Sambisa Forest.We are ready
to pursue the terrorists because we know the terrain very well,’’ Mai-Durma
said.
He said the military should align them with members
of the vigilance group, popularly known as the Civilian JTF, for effective
result.
“We will overrun Sambisa in partnership with
members of the civilian JTF if given the opportunity.
“This will help to complement the effort of
military in the anti terrorism operation.’’
“Hunters from all the 27 Borno local government
areas 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 the terrorists,’’ Mai-Durma said.
He also appealed to the Shehu of Borno, to assist in
forwarding their request to the military authorities for consideration.
Sign up here with your email
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon