The Defence Headquarters has announced the deployment of troops across farms in the northern regions of Nigeria, particularly in the North West and North Central zones, to safeguard farmers from the escalating threats posed by bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements.
This move comes as the nation grapples with a severe food inflation crisis, with the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics reporting a record high food inflation rate of 40.87% in June 2024.
According to the military high command, the deployment, which commenced with the rainy season, is aimed at ensuring that farmers can carry out their agricultural activities without fear, thereby securing a bumper harvest for the country.
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Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the deployment but did not specify the number of troops involved. He emphasized that this action is crucial for a successful planting season.
Farmers in the North have been increasingly targeted by bandits and terrorists, who extort them through levies, destroy their crops, and in some instances, kidnap or kill them. A recent tally revealed that over 332 farmers were killed across the country in the first quarter of 2024, marking a significant increase from the 128 farmer deaths reported in the same period of the previous year.
Additionally, a report by SBM Intelligence disclosed that farmers in the North paid approximately N139 million in farm levies to bandits between 2020 and 2023.
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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also noted that the police have initiated patrols on farms in the North East to boost farmers’ confidence. He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving security but acknowledged the complexity of Nigeria’s security landscape.
Kabir Ibrahim, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, confirmed the increased security presence on farms but urged the government to continue its efforts to eradicate insecurity entirely. He expressed optimism for a bumper harvest, cautioning that only natural disasters like flooding or drought could hinder this.
Despite these efforts, reports indicate that some states in the North West and North Central regions have not yet seen the promised troop deployment. In Benue State, for instance, Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo, stated that no military personnel had been deployed to protect farmers in the past two weeks, despite previous discussions between the state governor and service chiefs.
Similarly, officials in Kano and Katsina states reported limited or no deployment of troops to protect farms. Kano State, which is less affected by banditry due to its lack of dense forests, has seen some security measures in Sumaila and Garko local government areas. In Katsina State, soldiers have been deployed to Kankara LGA to address terrorist activities, but there is no confirmation of specific deployments to protect farms.
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The Organizing Secretary of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria in Benue State, Sam Yua, highlighted the ongoing displacement of farmers due to attacks by armed herders, leading to a decline in agricultural productivity. He warned that the continued insecurity could have severe repercussions on the nation’s food supply.
As Nigeria battles rising food costs and a growing hunger crisis, the deployment of troops to protect farmers is seen as a critical step. However, the uneven implementation across states raises concerns about the effectiveness of these measures in achieving food security for the country.