In a bid to address food insecurity and inflation, the Defence Headquarters has deployed troops to farms across Northern Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest and North Central regions, to ensure a smooth farming season and protect farmers from threats.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, reported that the deployment has already yielded positive results, allowing many farmers to regain access to their lands.
He stated, “With the commencement of the rainy season, troops are currently deployed in several northern states, particularly in the Northwest and North Central, to protect farmers. The deployment has enabled several farmers to access their farms for a hitch-free planting season towards a bumper harvest.”
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also announced that the police have initiated farm patrols to restore farmers’ confidence. “In the Northeast, we have started farm patrols to reassure farmers and encourage them to return to their farms,” he said. “The President is deeply concerned about this issue, and we are doing everything possible to address it. However, it is important to note that the security situation in Nigeria is complex and diverse.”
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kabir Ibrahim, confirmed an increase in security presence on farms nationwide, following a surge in violence by bandits, terrorists, and criminals across the northern regions over the past six months.
