Minister seeks Civil-Military synergy to boost livestock and tackle insecurity

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), says the country’s rising insecurity is closely linked to the persistent farmer-herder crisis and weak livestock production systems citing that competition over land, water, and grazing routes continues to drive violent clashes across the Middle Belt and parts of northern Nigeria, with serious consequences for food production and rural livelihoods.

CBI News reports that the Defence minister stated this at the 51st Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production, held in collaboration with the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.

General Musa noted that the crisis has led to declining agricultural output, rising food prices, and increased rural poverty, further worsening insecurity. He emphasised that modern livestock systems such as ranching and controlled grazing are critical to boosting food security and ending the cycle of violence.

Kaduna State Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Sule Shu’aibu, says the state is investing in ranching, veterinary services, and grazing infrastructure to address the root causes of the crisis.

The NDA Commandant, represented by Air Vice Marshal Abdullahi Bello, says insecurity has continued to disrupt agricultural activities, forcing many farmers to abandon their lands.

The President of NSAP Professor Olaniyi Babayemi, called for the adoption of technology-driven livestock management and climate-smart practices to improve productivity.

A keynote speaker, Major General Manu Yusuf Rtd. He described the farmer-herder crisis as a major national security threat that displaced thousands of Nigerians while calling for coordinated policy, security, and agricultural reforms.

With the rainy season approaching, stakeholders warn that continued insecurity could prevent farmers from accessing their farmlands, worsening food shortages and escalating tensions across affected communities.