Borno Hunters want to join military in Sambisa forest

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.

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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.

source:sunnewsonline