The Defence Headquarters has announced the deployment of troops across farms in the northern regions of the country, particularly in the North West and North Central. This strategic move aims to ensure the adequate protection of farmers from the threats posed by bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements. Farmers have become a primary target for these criminal groups, who have subjected them to indiscriminate levies, the destruction of their crops, kidnapping, and even fatal attacks.
According to reporters, in the first quarter of this year, over 332 farmers were killed across the country, marking a significant increase compared to the same period in the previous year, during which at least 128 farmers lost their lives.
Furthermore, a recent report by SBM Intelligence revealed that farmers in the North have been coerced into paying an estimated sum of N139 million as farm levies to bandits, who had demanded at least N224 million between 2020 and 2023. This development comes at a time when Nigeria is facing its highest-ever food inflation rate, recorded at 40.87 percent by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics in June.
In response, citizens have been calling for immediate action to address the growing hunger crisis in the country.
The military high command’s decision to deploy troops to protect farmers underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the agricultural sector, which is crucial for the country’s food security and economic stability.
In a statement, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, announced that the Nigerian military has commenced patrols on farms to boost farmers’ confidence and ensure a successful planting season. Maj Gen Buba stated that the troop deployment began with the start of the rainy season, although he did not disclose the exact number of soldiers assigned to the farmlands.
He explained that the deployment was aimed at providing protection for farmers and enabling them to access their fields without hindrance, with the goal of achieving a bountiful harvest. Maj Gen Buba acknowledged the complexity and diversity of the security landscape in Nigeria but emphasized the military’s commitment to supporting the farming community during this crucial period.
He expressed that the President is deeply concerned about the situation and that the armed forces are doing their utmost to address the challenges. The Director of Defence Media Operations reiterated the importance of the farmer’s role in the nation’s food security and the military’s dedication to creating an environment conducive for agricultural activities to thrive, particularly during the rainy season when planting takes place.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kabir Ibrahim, has confirmed that the security presence has increased in farms across the country. However, he has called on the government to eradicate insecurity to achieve food sufficiency. Ibrahim stated, “There has been a notable improvement in security around our farms across the food-producing regions in the North Central and North West. We, therefore, appreciate the efforts and commend the administrations at all levels for their actions.”
He further added, “Akin to Oliver Twist, we implore the government to completely address the issue of insecurity to seamlessly attain food security.” Ibrahim expressed that with the improved security, farmers should have a bountiful harvest, and the only potential impediments could be flooding and drought.
