The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has called on veterinary professionals serving in the Nigerian Police Force to play a stronger role in national livestock health and peacebuilding efforts.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop in Abuja on Friday, 7 November 2025, Mukhtar said the wide presence of veterinary officers across the country places them in a unique position to strengthen animal disease surveillance, boost vaccination drives, and help prevent clashes between farmers and herders.
The event was organised by the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) to enhance the skills of veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals within the Police Force.
The Minister described the Police Veterinary Unit as a vital national asset, noting that its officers are already stationed across all states and can make significant contributions to livestock health and national food security.
“With more than 150 veterinary professionals spread across the Force, you are already in the field where early signs of animal disease outbreaks and community tensions can be detected,” he said. “Your work can protect livelihoods, improve food safety, and reduce the risk of conflict.”
Mukhtar further directed the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, to include Police veterinary teams in ongoing national vaccination and surveillance campaigns targeting transboundary animal diseases.
Representing the Inspector General of Police, AIG Aishatu Baju Abubakar commended the Ministry’s renewed commitment to animal health and food security.
She said the collaboration between the Police and the Ministry reflects a shared vision for a more resilient livestock sector.
Dr. Anzaku, in his remarks, gave updates on national control efforts against rabies, peste des petits ruminants (PPR), and foot and mouth disease. He applauded L-PRES for supporting veterinary institutions and strengthening field operations.
Earlier, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, who represented the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, urged participants to use the training to improve coordination between security agencies, livestock farmers, and herders.
The workshop, themed “Disease Surveillance and Reporting, Farmer-Herder Conflict Resolution, and Professional Wellness,” brought together veterinary professionals from various Police formations across the country.
