Before now, hunters go after animals, but because of insecurity in our communities, we are now going after the enemies who are causing the insecurity
By Moses Okorie
The paramount ruler and Sa’peyi of Garki chiefdom in the Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, His Royal Highness Dr. Usman Nga Kupi, has urged the government and citizenry to support and ensure the success of the Nigerian Hunter Council also known as Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, NHFSS, in combating criminalities at the various communities.
The traditional ruler gave the charge when he received the FCT Commander of NHFSS, Kyauta Bawa alongside members of his team who came to pay him a courtesy visit at the Sa’peyi palace in Garki.
He said hunters are the suitable persons to guard the communities, because they are also members of the communities and know the bad eggs of the society.
According to him, “Everyone needs peace. We all know the situation of insecurity in the country today. The police and the army are overwhelmed, and they need support towards restoring peace.
“Hunters are those that know the hinterland. They know the in and the out of their communities, but police and soldiers are strangers, and may not know the people well”.
In his response, the FCT Commander of NHFSS a bill for the establishment of Nigerian Hunter Council has passed third reading at the National Assembly and they are hopeful it would soon be assented to.
According to him, “We have come to introduce ourselves to the chiefdom, because you are the people on ground. Hunters are the starting point for any security. Before now, hunters go after animals, but because of insecurity in our communities, we are now going after the enemies who are causing the insecurity, so that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed.
“Our work cannot be done without coming to identify with you. The federal government has asked that each state and the FCT should work with hunters in ensuring peace in their domains”.
Bawa requested that each community in Garki chiefdom should give them between 30 and 40 persons to work with.
In response to that the Sa’peyi told the district and village heads to nominate people of good reputation from their various communities and forward their names for recruitment into the NHFSS as there is no educational qualification for joining at the moment, but the criteria is good character.
He said: “Encourage people in our communities to join because that is how Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps started as a voluntary organization before it was adopted by the federal government, and today people are lobbying to join.
The paramount ruler also advised NHFSS to use non-kinetic method to educate the youths on the consequences of crimes as well as dangers of going outside the shores of Nigeria illegally for negative reasons.
Also, in recognition of his efforts and fatherly supports, the NHFSS conferred the position of Patron/Adviser on the paramount ruler and decorated him with their muffler.