The Defence Headquarters has said troops have been deployed across farms in the northern parts of the country, especially in the North West and North Central.
According to the military high command, the deployment was to ensure the adequate protection of farmers from bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements.
It was reported that farmers have been a major target for bandits and terrorists who levied them indiscriminately, destroyed their produce, kidnapped and even killed them in some instances.
According to a tally by our correspondent, in the first quarter of this year, over 332 farmers were killed across the country. This marks a significant increase compared to the same period last year, from January to June 2023, when at least 128 farmers lost their lives.
The Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun on Monday said the police had commenced patrols on farms to boost farmers’ confidence.
He said, “In the North East, we have started farm patrol to give confidence back to farmers to return to the farm. Mr. President is very, very concerned about it, and we are doing our best.
“But let me also add that the security landscape in Nigeria is complex and diverse.”
But in an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, stated that troops deployment began with the commencement of the rainy season. However, he did not reveal the exact number of troops assigned to the farms.
Buba added the deployment was to ensure farmers have a bumper harvest.
He 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, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kabir Ibrahim, confirmed that security presence had increased in farms across the country.
