In a scene worthy of an action movie, hunters recently made a disturbing discovery deep in a remote forest. Indeed, Dr. John Metchie, Deputy Commander-General of the NHFSS (National Hunters Federation of Surveillance and Security) revealed during a press conference in Abuja that the hunters uncovered an abandoned weapons cache.
This operation, led by two high-ranking commanders, follows actionable intelligence. Officers from the department braved the most remote areas of the forest to discover an abandoned Toyota Sienna vehicle, containing weapons and other incriminating items.
Among the weapons discovered were a pistol, an AK47 rifle, locally manufactured weapons, vehicle registration plates, amulets and other incriminating items. The vehicle and items were handed over to the Nigerian Police for further action. Furthermore, the hunters are still on the hunt for the alleged kidnappers who abandoned the vehicle.
Dr Metchie highlighted the crucial role of hunters in the national security architecture and advocated for increased recognition by the Nigerian government towards these actors. He also mentioned that NHFSS is a registered umbrella organization of hunters in Nigeria, with the mission to support the police and other security agencies to protect lives and property in ungoverned areas such as forests and bushes.
He revealed that the bill to establish the Federal Government Security Service to detect and prevent forest crime has been passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, and is awaiting the President’s approval. The objectives of the NHFSS are to improve the quality and performance of the men and officers of the Hunters Council, currently engaged in the protection of the various public safety services within the communities.
The hunters underwent training provided by the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and the National Drug Control and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on forest security management. . Their role is not limited to hunting, but extends to protecting citizens and their property in areas where other security forces find it difficult to operate.
This recent discovery highlights the critical importance of fighters in maintaining national security and raises the question of their further recognition and integration into the country’s security architecture. Hunters play an essential role and deserve to be valued and supported by the competent authorities.