Rising Food Costs: Military to Protect Farmers for Successful Farming Season — DHQ

In response to rising food costs and ongoing security challenges, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced operational adjustments aimed at prioritizing the protection of farmers to ensure a successful farming season across the country. Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided updates on the military’s efforts during a briefing in Abuja.

Enhanced Security Measures for Farmers

The DHQ has implemented these measures as part of a broader strategy to address security issues that have hindered farmers from accessing their fields, contributing to the high cost of food in Nigeria. The military’s intensified intelligence gathering and proactive operations aim to neutralize threats and create a safer environment for agricultural activities.

Recent Military Operations and Successes

The Nigerian Army reported significant successes in its ongoing counter-terrorism operations. Key highlights include:

• North-East Operations: Troops killed three terrorists and rescued several hostages during coordinated operations with Vigilante and Hybrid Forces. Notably, an ambush in Pulka and Ashagashiya areas of Gwoza Local Government Area resulted in the rescue of seven women and nine children, and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
• North-Central Operations: Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralized 37 insurgents, arrested 102 violent extremists, and rescued 113 kidnapped hostages.
• North-West Operations: Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch saw troops neutralize 78 terrorists, arrest 103 terrorists, and rescue 68 kidnapped hostages.

Arms and Ammunition Seizures

In the past week, the military has recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition, including:

• 432 assorted weapons
• 9,004 rounds of assorted ammunition
• Specific recoveries include three PKT guns, 83 AK-47 rifles, and 234 smoke grenades.

Localized Successes and Ongoing Efforts

• Benue State: Troops launched operations in Ayati Village, Ukum LGA, countering terrorist activities and recovering weapons.
• Kogi State: Troops thwarted a planned ransom payment to kidnappers, resulting in one kidnapper killed and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.

Military and Media Collaboration

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, emphasized the critical role of media in military operations, thanking the media for their support. During a meeting with the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama, General Musa reaffirmed the military’s commitment to collaboration with media and other stakeholders to enhance national security.

These efforts by the Nigerian Armed Forces reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling security challenges and ensuring the safety of farmers, which is essential for stabilizing food prices and securing the nation’s food supply. The military’s ongoing operations and the strategic protection of agricultural activities demonstrate a commitment to addressing both immediate and long-term security and economic concerns.