The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the deployment of troops across farmlands in the northern regions of Nigeria, particularly in the North West and North Central. This move aims to protect farmers from the increasing threats posed by bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements.
Farmers in these regions have become frequent targets, suffering from attacks, extortion, and even killings. According to reports, over 332 farmers lost their lives in the first quarter of this year, a significant increase from the 128 deaths recorded during the same period last year.
A report by SBM Intelligence also highlighted that farmers in the North paid an estimated N139 million in levies to bandits between 2020 and 2023, with demands reaching N224 million. These challenges come amid Nigeria's highest-ever food inflation rate of 40.87% recorded by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics in June, intensifying the calls for urgent action to address the nation’s growing hunger crisis.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Monday that police patrols on farms had commenced to boost farmers' confidence. He emphasized the complexity of Nigeria's security landscape and reassured that efforts were being made to protect farmers, particularly in the North East.
In a related development, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, disclosed on Wednesday that troops had been deployed since the onset of the rainy season to ensure a successful farming season. Although the exact number of troops was not revealed, the military's presence is expected to support a bumper harvest.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kabir Ibrahim, acknowledged the increased security presence but urged the government to eradicate insecurity completely for the country to achieve food sufficiency. He expressed optimism for a good harvest this year, barring any flooding or drought.
Despite the efforts, some states in the North West and North Central are yet to see the deployment of troops. The Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo, noted that while the state had seen improved security in recent months, there had been no recent military deployment to protect farmers.
Similarly, a government official in Kano State stated that the state, which does not face significant banditry issues, had not seen troop deployment. Meanwhile, the Organizing Secretary of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria in Benue State, Sam Yua, expressed concern over the continued displacement of farmers due to armed herders occupying rural areas.
In Katsina State, soldiers were deployed to Kankara Local Government Area to combat terrorist activities, though there has been no specific deployment to protect farms and farmers, according to the state's Director of Media.
The situation remains fluid, with varying levels of security presence across different states as Nigeria grapples with its complex security challenges.
