By Yusuf Bello, Security Correspondent
Abuja – The Nigerian military has ramped up operations against terrorists and bandits across the northern region, aiming to secure farmlands and ensure farmers can work without fear. The intensified offensive, announced by the Defence Headquarters, targets Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandit groups in Borno, Zamfara, and Kaduna, responding to rising attacks disrupting agricultural activities.
Military’s Strategic Offensive
Operations Across Northern Nigeria
The Nigerian Army, supported by air and ground forces, has launched aggressive operations in key hotspots. In Borno, troops neutralized several Boko Haram insurgents in Gwoza, recovering weapons and supplies, according to a statement from the Defence Headquarters. In Zamfara, Operation Hadarin Daji targeted bandit camps, rescuing 12 kidnapped farmers in Maru Local Government Area. Posts on X corroborate these efforts, with users like
@DefenceHQ_NG reporting ongoing raids in Sokoto and Katsina.
Focus on Farmer Safety
The military’s primary goal is to protect farmers during the planting season, a critical period for Nigeria’s food security. Banditry and terrorism have displaced thousands of farmers, contributing to food scarcity in northern states. Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, emphasized, “Our enemies will soon be brought to their knees,” vowing to restore safety to rural communities.
Impact on Farmers and Food Security
Addressing Agricultural Disruptions
Bandit attacks have forced farmers to abandon farmlands in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Borno, exacerbating Nigeria’s food inflation, which hit 40% in early 2025, per web reports. The military’s offensive aims to reclaim farmlands, enabling farmers to return. In Katsina, troops escorted farmers to fields, boosting local confidence, as noted in posts on X.
Success Stories and Challenges
Recent operations have yielded results, with 20 farmers reunited with families in Borno’s Konduga area. However, challenges persist, including ambushes on troops and the use of improvised explosive devices by insurgents. A military source, cited by Punch, stressed the need for better intelligence to counter bandit mobility.
Public and Official Reactions
Community Support
Residents in affected areas have expressed cautious optimism. In Zamfara, a local farmer told The Watch Nigeria, “We’re hopeful, but we need constant protection.” X users, including
@Naija_PR, have praised the military’s efforts but urged faster action to curb banditry.
Government Commitment
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, reiterated the government’s commitment to ending insecurity, promising more resources for troops. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has prioritized food security, with the offensive aligning with broader agricultural support programs, per THISDAY.
What’s Next for Nigeria’s Security?
Sustaining the Momentum
The military plans to expand operations with advanced surveillance and community collaboration. The deployment of drones in Borno and Sokoto aims to track bandit movements, while local vigilantes are being trained to support troops. Analysts stress that sustained funding and coordination are critical to success.
Call for Public Cooperation
The Defence Headquarters urged citizens to provide actionable intelligence, emphasizing anonymity to protect informants, in line with NDPA’s data protection standards. The Watch Nigeria will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on this critical security campaign.
