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.
This aims 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, said the deployment has already yielded positive results, as many farmers have regained access to their lands.
According to him, “With the commencement of the rainy season, troops are currently deployed in several of the northern, particularly in the NW and NC states to protect farmers.
“The deployment has enabled several farmers’ access to their farm for a hitch-free planting season towards a bumper harvest.”
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had also announced that the police have initiated farm patrols to restore farmers’ confidence.
“In the North East, 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,” he added.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kabir Ibrahim, has confirmed an increase in security presence on farms nationwide.
This follows a surge in violence by bandits, terrorists, and criminals across the northern regions over the past six months.