Military Pledges to Protect Northern Farmers During Harvest Season

The 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of the ongoing Operation Whirl Stroke, has pledged to provide robust security for farmers in Taraba State and neighboring northern regions, ensuring that they can harvest their crops without the fear of attacks from bandits. The military’s commitment comes after the recent arrest of a suspected bandit informant, Alhaji Buba Maru, a 73-year-old man captured during an extensive security operation in the region.

According to Captain Olubodunde Oni, the acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, the arrest was part of a larger clearance operation aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts in Taraba State, ensuring the safety of farmers as they gather their crops during this critical period. The operation, which began on Sunday, is intended to address the escalating threat of banditry during the harvest season, as well as to enhance security ahead of the upcoming Yuletide season.

Brig. Gen. Kingsley Uwa, the Brigade Commander, led the operation, which focused on known bandit strongholds in the Bakin Dutse Mountains in Sunkani and extended to other high-risk areas, including Kona and Lau mountains. The army discovered several hideouts used by criminals and made significant strides in neutralizing the bandits’ presence. Oni confirmed that during the operation, the troops made a key breakthrough by capturing Alhaji Buba Maru, a man accused of providing land to bandits for their criminal activities.

The operation later expanded to Yorro and Zing Local Government Areas (LGAs), where additional camps and dangerous zones were cleared. Maru, who remains under investigation, will be handed over to the relevant security agencies for prosecution. The Nigerian Army has also taken steps to involve local authorities in the operation’s success. As part of the military’s effort to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, the Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Uwa, paid visits to the chairmen of the affected local government areas to strengthen cooperation.

During these visits, he assured the local officials of the army’s commitment to allowing farmers to complete their harvests without fear of violence and enabling the communities to enjoy a peaceful holiday season. The Army’s efforts come as banditry has continued to threaten the security of northern Nigeria, particularly in agricultural areas where farmers have long been vulnerable to violent attacks.

The military’s intervention during the harvest season is seen as a crucial step toward stabilizing the region and ensuring that the local economy, which heavily depends on agriculture, is not disrupted by criminal activities. The success of the operation and the promise of ongoing protection for farmers has been welcomed by local authorities, who have urged continued collaboration between the military and local communities.

As the operation continues, the military remains focused on maintaining the security of Taraba and its neighboring states, ensuring that residents can go about their daily activities, including farming, with confidence.
As the harvest season progresses, the Nigerian Army’s proactive stance on security will likely play a key role in deterring further criminal activities in the region, especially as the festive season draws nearer. The military’s pledge to protect farmers and secure the state’s agricultural economy reflects a growing effort to combat banditry and restore peace to the north.