The Nigerian federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting farmers across the country from persistent threats posed by bandits and violent herdsmen.
The assurance came from officials under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, who stated that new measures are being implemented to enhance agricultural security and ensure the safety of rural communities.
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Government representatives disclosed the plan during recent meetings with agricultural stakeholders and community leaders, amid growing concerns over rising insecurity in farming areas. These regions, especially in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South, have been plagued by attacks, kidnappings, and land disputes involving armed groups and militant herdsmen.
The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and various security agencies, confirmed that efforts are underway to deploy more personnel and technology to protect farmers. This includes the use of military and paramilitary forces, as well as local vigilante networks, to patrol high-risk zones where attacks have severely disrupted agricultural activity.
Farmers across several Nigerian states have frequently raised alarm over the deadly impact of banditry and herdsmen violence. Many have abandoned their lands, citing fear for their lives, destruction of crops, and the inability to harvest produce without armed escorts. This has had a direct impact on food production and prices, contributing to inflation and widespread food insecurity.
The Tinubu administration acknowledged the severity of the situation and stressed that securing farming communities is a national priority. Government officials stated that without security, the country’s efforts to revamp its agricultural sector and achieve food self-sufficiency will be undermined. They added that the administration’s agenda to improve food production depends heavily on rural stability.
To address the challenges, the federal government is reportedly expanding its security operations in affected states. It is also reviewing intelligence-sharing frameworks to ensure quicker responses to distress calls from farmers. Drones and surveillance systems are being considered for deployment to monitor isolated farming areas and identify threats in real time.
In addition to physical security, the government is engaging with community leaders and traditional rulers to help mediate conflicts between farmers and herders. These efforts include peace-building initiatives and the promotion of sustainable grazing practices to reduce land-use disputes, which are a major trigger of violence in many rural areas.
The administration has also hinted at reviving and enforcing the National Livestock Transformation Plan, which aims to address the root causes of herder-farmer conflicts through ranching and livestock management reforms. By reducing the movement of cattle through farmlands, the government hopes to minimize friction and improve coexistence.
Despite these assurances, many farmers remain skeptical due to past failures by successive governments to curb rural insecurity. Several agricultural associations have called for immediate and visible action, warning that continued inaction could collapse parts of the country’s food production system.
Some experts have noted that without urgent and sustained intervention, Nigeria risks further food scarcity, especially as climate change, economic instability, and rural migration continue to compound the pressures on agriculture. They argue that restoring security in rural areas is not only about protecting lives, but also about safeguarding national food supply and economic stability.
President Tinubu’s government has reiterated that the fight against insecurity in agricultural zones will not be treated lightly. Officials maintain that strategic partnerships with security forces, state governments, and local communities are being deepened to deliver results.
In the coming weeks, more deployments of security agents are expected in vulnerable areas, alongside increased federal investment in early warning systems and emergency response units tailored for agricultural environments.
The administration’s renewed promises come at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with high food costs and economic uncertainty. Farmers, particularly in the North, have expressed cautious optimism but insist that they will judge the government’s commitment based on concrete actions and sustained protection on the ground.
