Troops Intensify Farming Support Patrols to Boost Socio-Economic Recovery in Borno Communities
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigerian Army troops in the North-East of Bama have intensified farming support patrols aimed at strengthening socio-economic recovery in liberated communities, with security escorts now routinely provided to farmers and rural traders across vulnerable routes in Borno State.
Brig. Gen. Tosin Ayoola, the Commander of the 21 Special Armour Brigade, Bama disclosed this during an engagement with journalists in Bama, noting that the initiative forms part of broader non-kinetic operations designed to restore livelihoods and encourage sustainable return of displaced populations to farming activities.
He said troops under Operation Hadin Kai have continued to provide protection for farmers, herders, and rural workers engaged in seasonal agricultural activities, especially during peak farming periods when movement into distant farmlands increases.
“We provide escorts for farmers, for those going to fetch firewood, and for people engaged in agricultural activities,” he said, adding that the patrols are designed to reduce exposure to security threats while enabling uninterrupted economic activity.
According to him, the farming support operations are conducted in collaboration with volunteer forces, community-based security groups, and other supporting agencies operating within the theatre.
He explained that the joint arrangement has improved coverage of rural farming routes and strengthened early response to security incidents affecting agricultural communities.
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The officer further noted that coordination with the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) has enhanced intelligence sharing, allowing security agencies to better anticipate risks along farmlands, feeder roads, and rural markets.
He said the presence of security escorts has encouraged more displaced persons to return to farming, particularly in areas previously affected by insurgency, where agricultural activity is gradually resuming.
“In many communities, farming activities are picking up again, and we are ensuring that farmers can access their fields safely,” he said.
He added that troops have also supported local economic recovery by securing rural road corridors used for transporting farm produce to markets within and outside Bama axis.
The officer stressed that stabilisation efforts are not limited to kinetic operations, noting that non-kinetic measures such as farming patrols, medical outreach, and community engagement remain central to restoring normal life in affected areas.
He said military-medical teams continue to support rural communities with basic healthcare services, particularly for elderly residents and vulnerable groups with limited access to medical facilities.
The commander Commanded the General Officer Commanding 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig Gen. Ukechukuw Unachukwu, Theartre Commander North East Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, Maj Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu for their unwavering support for the brigade which had translated into resounding successes.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Brigade to sustaining such initiatives, describing them as essential to consolidating peace gains and rebuilding confidence among returning communities.
He urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by sharing timely information that would support ongoing patrols and safeguard agricultural activities across the theatre.