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Insecurity: We Support Farmers’ Vigilante Groups To Ward Off Attacks-AFAN
Following the quagmire farmers find themselves as a result of constant attacks from terrorists, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), weekend, threw weight behind farmers taking the bold step to form vigilante groups to wade off attacks while on their farms.
Speaking with newsmen on the move by some farmers in Kaduna State to protect themselves from incessant bandit attacks in the state, the National President, AFAN, Kabir Ibrahim, said it has become imperative for them to protect themselves in order to produce food for Nigerians.
Ibrahim said: “They say necessity is the mother of invention, so, I am pleasantly surprised that it is only coming to light at this time that the farmers are forming vigilante groups to fight the terrorists preventing them from working the land.
“It will definitely go along way to restore security that will enable the farmers to produce sufficiently to provide food to the good people of Kaduna State.
“I encourage farmers to go about their legitimate activities and resist any attempt from any quarters attempting to prevent them from doing so.
“The farmers should and must protect themselves deploying any means necessary.”
However, he pointed that the current state of insecurity Nigerians are facing calls for more effort than before, because it is very frightening to see the decline of security of lives and property in the country.
“Nigeria needs security now more than ever before. I sympathise with the farmers and urge the security agencies to double their effort in restoring security.
“Agro Rangers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), need to do more to protect farmers.”
The farmers’ boss also expressed optimism that the move by farmers is in the right direction and would to an extent reduce the attacks they have suffered over the years.
“Proactive resistance against any form of inequity will definitely reduce it or even completely stem it”, he said.
However, on sustainability of the measure farmers are trying to put in place, the AFAN boss said, “It is not by any means sustainable but quite germane in the face of the near existential threat they are facing.”
On farmers having the victory over bandits with their quest to restore peace on their farms, he said, “No. I am not sure but I am hopeful.”
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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