Farmers in parts of the North East, North West, and North Central have resumed farming activities following improved security across conflict-prone areas, the Nigerian military has said.
By Chimezie Godfrey
Farmers in parts of the North East, North West, and North Central have resumed farming activities following improved security across conflict-prone areas, the Nigerian military has said.
The Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this Thursday during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, noting that troops have significantly degraded the capability of terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups that had long obstructed farming in these regions.
Gen Kangye said,”It is heartwarming to report that farmers in the North East, particularly northern Borno, North West, North Central and other areas affected by conflicts have started farming activities.
“Our troops have been conducting aggressive foot and aerial patrols across farming communities in all theatres in order to guarantee security for the farmers.”
The DDMO added that the resurgence of agricultural activities is one of the visible gains of sustained operations by the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security stakeholders in recent months.
He disclosed that between 10 and 17 July 2025, troops conducted a series of operations across various theatres under the codename Operations HADIN KAI, FAGGE YAMMA, SAFE HAVEN, WHIRL STROKE, DELTA SAFE, and UDO KA, recording notable successes.
According to him, in the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI engaged Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in multiple locations in Borno and Yobe States, eliminating several insurgents, arresting collaborators, and facilitating the safe return of displaced persons.
H said,”As operational pressure mounted, a significant number of terrorists, including women and children, surrendered to troops.
”In the North West, troops of Operation FAGGE YAMMA responded to intelligence reports and neutralised terrorists in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger and Katsina states. Several kidnappers and gunrunners were arrested, including the recovery of nine AK-47 rifles and over 450 rounds of ammunition in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State.
”Meanwhile, in the North Central region, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN and Operation WHIRL STROKE carried out offensive operations in Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue and Taraba states. Troops arrested over 30 criminal suspects, rescued kidnapped victims and intercepted illicit weapons, drugs and over N13 million cash during a stop-and-search along Jos-Sanga road.
”In the oil-rich South-South region, Operation DELTA SAFE troops foiled crude oil theft amounting to over N291 million, destroying illegal refining sites and arresting 42 suspects, while also seizing weapons and operational tools.
”Troops in the South East under Operation UDO KA also sustained pressure on suspected IPOB/ESN operatives. They arrested 14 individuals, rescued several hostages, and recovered N1.5 million from a tax collector working for the proscribed group in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.”
Gen. Kangye assured Nigerians of the military’s commitment to ending insecurity and maintaining constitutional order. He urged continued collaboration with security agencies and warned criminals to abandon their activities or face the full wrath of the law.