Allow us into Sambisa, Borno hunters beg army

Hunters in Borno are pleading with the military to allow them join in the war against insurgents in Sambisa forest.

Mai-Gana Mai-Durma, the emir of hunters in the state, who made the appeal in Maiduguri while addressing journalists, said the call became imperative because the hunters were familiar with the terrain at the dreaded forest, the 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,” he said. “We are ready to pursue the terrorists because we know the terrain very well.”

He said that the military should align them with members of the vigilance group, popularly knwon as the Civilian JTF, for effective result.

“We will overrun Sambisa in partnership with members of the civilian JTF if given the opportunity,” he said. “This will help to complement the effort of military in the anti terrorism operation.”

He lamented that hunters from the 27 local government areas of the state had been rendered idle by the insurgency, saying: “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.”

He lso appealed to Abubakar Ibn Garbai, the Shehu of Borno, to assist in forwarding their request to the military authorities for consideration.