Traditional hunters across Oyo State gathered in Ogbomoso on Tuesday for a crucial meeting following growing fears of bandit attacks spreading from neighboring Kwara State.
During the meeting, the hunters appealed to President Bola Tinubu to review the recent approval granted to the Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), insisting that traditional hunters remain the most qualified to secure the nation’s forests.
Communities in Kwara State have recently suffered persistent bandit assaults, including killings, kidnappings, displacement, and illegal levies, heightening concerns among border towns in Oyo.
“The threat of insecurity is gradually closing in on us,” said Chief Adebayo Amos Odedele, the Oluode Onpetu of Ogbomoso South, in a chat with Ogbomoso Insight. “It began in the Northeast, spread to the Northwest and North Central, and now it’s knocking at our doors. That was one of the major issues we discussed at our state meeting.”
The meeting, hosted by Chief Ayobami Oguntunji, the Oluode Soun of Ogbomoso, took place at his Isale-Afon residence. It was attended by representatives from the five Ogbomoso local governments—North, South, Oriire, Ogo-Oluwa, and Surulere.
In a communique issued afterward, the hunters pledged readiness to confront criminal elements but emphasized the need for government recognition, weapons, and logistical support.
“Traditional hunters are naturally equipped to tackle forest-related threats,” the communique stated. “We understand the terrain—the tracks, the hideouts, and the danger zones. We possess unique skills that allow us to blend with our environment, making us invisible to criminals until they are captured.”
They added that their longstanding experience in tracking wild animals and confronting supernatural dangers in forests uniquely positions them for anti-bandit operations.
Despite their capabilities, the hunters lamented their lack of official support.
“If the government would equip us with firearms, patrol vehicles, and motorcycles, our effectiveness would greatly improve,” one of the participants said. “Even our traditional guns are sometimes seized by the police, making our job more difficult.”
Chief Odedele cautioned against impostors posing as hunters, noting that true hunters take oaths before Ogun (the god of iron) and adhere to strict moral codes.
“Many so-called hunters today are just opportunists or thugs hired for security jobs,” he said. “Real hunters are bound by discipline and tradition. We have a structured hierarchy and code of conduct.”
On the federal government’s formal recognition of the Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service—now officially known as the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS)—Chief Odedele acknowledged the initiative but expressed reservations.
He argued that while the NFSS emerged from traditional hunter associations, many of its members lack the deep-rooted expertise and training of authentic hunters.
“Those in the NFSS came out of us, but most are not genuine hunters,” he said. “President Tinubu should entrust this mission to traditional hunters who live and work in the forests daily. We have the spiritual and practical knowledge to secure the nation’s woodlands effectively.”
Similarly, Chief Ayobami Oguntunji of Ogbomoso and Chief Moshood Kehinde, the Oluode of Ibadan and Aare Ajagun of Yorubaland, called for government partnership and protection of their members from police harassment.
“Hunters have always protected communities,” Chief Kehinde said. “We founded towns and assisted traditional rulers in maintaining peace. With government support, we can continue that legacy and help secure our region.”
The hunters also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his continued efforts to maintain peace and security across the state. They, however, urged him to further integrate local hunters into the state’s security framework for greater effectiveness.
