Sunday, hunters in Borno State requested that they be allowed to assist the military in its fight against Boko Haram in Sambisa forest. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the appeal came during a press conference held by Malam Mai-Gana Mai-Durma, the Borno Emir of the hunters.
The emir noted that the hunters knowledge of the Sambisa forest would prove crucial to the military as they attempt to sweep the area for Boko Haram insurgents.
“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,” Mr. Mai-Durma said.
The emir also noted that his group would be willing to partner with the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF).
He also noted that the presence of Boko Haram in the forest had severely hampered efforts to hunt.
“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,” Mr. Mai-Durma noted.