The specter of violence against farmers has cast a long shadow over Nigeria, threatening not only the livelihoods of agricultural communities but also the nation’s food security. From January to July 2025, a series of brutal attacks claimed the lives of scores of farmers, painting a grim picture of vulnerability and fear in rural areas. The incidents, scattered across various states, highlight the widespread nature of the threat and the urgent need for comprehensive security measures. The attacks range from the massacre of 40 farmers in Borno State by terrorists to the targeted killing of smaller groups in Kebbi, Ondo, and Plateau States. The involvement of notorious bandit leaders like Bello Turji further underscores the organized and persistent nature of the violence, raising concerns about the capacity of local communities to protect themselves. This wave of violence has created a climate of fear, discouraging farming activities and jeopardizing food production, with potentially devastating consequences for national food security.
The Nigerian military has responded to this escalating crisis by intensifying its efforts to protect farming communities. Recognizing the critical link between agricultural production and national stability, the military has deployed troops to conduct aggressive foot and aerial patrols across affected areas. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Markus Kangye, affirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding farmers and ensuring a conducive environment for agricultural activities. He emphasized that these operations are not limited to the North East and North West, where the majority of reported attacks have occurred, but extend across all theaters of operation, including the southern regions. The military’s proactive stance seeks to reassure farmers and encourage them to resume their vital work, contributing to the nation’s food supply and economic stability. However, the effectiveness of these patrols in preventing future attacks remains to be seen, given the vastness of the territory and the mobility of the perpetrators.
The military intervention, while crucial, is only one piece of the puzzle in addressing the complex issue of farmer security. Underlying the immediate violence are deeper socio-economic factors that contribute to the vulnerability of rural communities. Land disputes, resource scarcity, and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons all play a role in creating an environment conducive to conflict. Moreover, the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders facilitates the movement of armed groups, making it challenging for security forces to effectively control their activities. A comprehensive approach is needed, one that goes beyond military deployments to address the root causes of the violence and empower local communities to participate in their own security.
The implications of the ongoing violence against farmers extend far beyond the immediate loss of life and livelihoods. The disruption of agricultural activities poses a significant threat to national food security, with experts warning of a looming crisis if the situation is not addressed urgently. The Director of the Nutrition and Food Safety Department at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Nuhu Kilishi, painted a stark picture of the current situation, revealing that a staggering 161 million Nigerians are currently food insecure. This represents a drastic increase from previous years, highlighting the severity of the problem and the urgent need for intervention. The combination of insecurity and economic hardship has driven millions into food insecurity, threatening to destabilize the country and exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities.
The urgency of the situation demands a multi-pronged strategy that addresses both the immediate security concerns and the long-term underlying factors that fuel the violence. This includes strengthening the capacity of security forces to effectively protect rural communities, promoting peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms, and implementing programs that address the socio-economic vulnerabilities of farmers. Furthermore, fostering collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities is essential for developing sustainable solutions. This collaborative approach should focus on empowering local communities to participate in their own security, promoting dialogue and reconciliation, and addressing the root causes of conflict. Investing in early warning systems and community-based security initiatives can also enhance the ability to prevent and respond to attacks effectively.
Ultimately, ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian farmers is not just a matter of protecting individuals and livelihoods, but also a matter of safeguarding the nation’s food security and stability. The ongoing violence poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s ability to feed its growing population, with potentially devastating consequences for the country’s social and economic fabric. Addressing this complex challenge requires a comprehensive and sustained effort that combines security measures with socio-economic interventions, and empowers communities to play an active role in building a more peaceful and secure future. The government, security forces, civil society organizations, and local communities must work together to create an environment where farmers can cultivate their lands without fear, ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Nigeria.
