By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that troops have been stationed across farms in northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions.
This strategic deployment aims to protect farmers from bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements who have been a significant threat to agricultural activities in these areas.
Farmers in these regions have been frequent targets of violence, with many being extorted, kidnapped, or killed by armed groups.
In the first quarter of this year alone, over 332 farmers lost their lives, a stark increase from the 128 deaths recorded during the same period in 2023.
A report by SBM Intelligence further revealed that farmers in the North paid approximately ₦139 million in levies to bandits from 2020 to 2023.
The food crisis has been exacerbated by these security challenges, contributing to Nigeria’s record food inflation rate of 40.87% as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics in June.
In response to the crisis, citizens have urged the government to take decisive action to combat hunger.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Monday that the police had initiated farm patrols to reassure farmers and encourage them to return to their fields.
He emphasized the complexity and diversity of Nigeria’s security landscape, noting that the government is working to address these challenges.
In an interview with The Punch on Wednesday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, stated that the troop deployment began with the onset of the rainy season.
Meanwhile, he did not disclose the exact number of troops deployed, Buba emphasized that the move was intended to ensure a successful planting season and a bountiful harvest.
Buba said, “With the commencement of the rainy season, troops are currently deployed in several of the northern, particularly in the NW and NC states to provide protection for farmers. The deployment has enabled several farmers’ access to their farm for a hitch-free planting season towards a bumper harvest.”
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kabir Ibrahim, confirmed the increased security presence on farms and praised the government for its efforts.
However, he urged the authorities to completely eradicate insecurity to achieve food sufficiency in the country. Ibrahim expressed optimism about the upcoming harvest, noting that only natural disasters like flooding and drought could hinder their success.
Ibrahim said, “There is definitely some remarkable security improvement around our farms across the food baskets in the North Central and North West. We therefore appreciate the effort and unreservedly commend the administrations at all levels for that.
“Like Oliver Twist, we implore the government to completely stem insecurity in order to attain food security seamlessly.”
Despite the increased security, it was reported that some states in the North-West and North-Central regions have yet to see the deployment of troops as directed by the Defence Headquarters.