Food Crisis Response: Military Deploys Troops To Support Farming Efforts

Food Crisis Response: Military Deploys Troops To Support Farming Efforts

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that troops are now stationed on farms across northern Nigeria, with a focus on the North-West and North-Central regions. This deployment is intended to safeguard farmers from bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements threatening agricultural activities in these areas…… CONTINUE READING 

Farmers in these regions have frequently faced violence, including extortion, kidnapping, and murder by armed groups. In the first quarter of this year alone, over 332 farmers were killed, a significant increase from 128 deaths during the same period in 2023. Additionally, a report by SBM Intelligence revealed that farmers paid around ₦139 million in levies to bandits from 2020 to 2023.

The ongoing security issues have worsened the food crisis, contributing to Nigeria’s record food inflation rate of 40.87%, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics in June. Citizens have called for the government to take more decisive action to address hunger.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Monday that police patrols have begun to reassure farmers and encourage them to return to their fields. He acknowledged the complexity of Nigeria’s security landscape and stated that the government is working to resolve these issues.

In an interview with The Punch on Wednesday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, noted that troop deployment began with the start of the rainy season. Although he did not specify the number of troops, he stressed that their presence is crucial for a successful planting season and a fruitful harvest.

Buba stated, “With the rainy season underway, troops have been deployed in various northern states, particularly in the NW and NC, to protect farmers and facilitate a smooth planting season, aiming for a bountiful harvest.”

Kabir Ibrahim, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, confirmed the increased security and commended the government for its efforts. However, he urged the authorities to fully eradicate insecurity to achieve food sufficiency. Ibrahim expressed optimism about the upcoming harvest, emphasizing that only natural disasters like flooding or drought could impede success.

Despite the increased security measures, reports indicate that some states in the North-West and North-Central regions have yet to receive the promised troop deployments.

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