The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has taken the fight against terrorism,banditry, kidnappings, oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the country to a whole new height. In the north west where banditry and kidnapping loomed large, the military have given a stellar performance. Recently, Security Forces have killed bandit kingpins: Kachalla Halilu, Buharin Yadi, Dangote, Boderi Isyaku and Dogo Rabe adding to the galaxy of the ringleaders that were killed by the Military in the reign of General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the CDS.
It is refreshing to know that the nation security apparatuses under the watch of General Christopher Gwabin Musa are making tremendous progress in the fight against insecurity and insurgency. The domino effects of military interventions across troubled areas are awesome and are reflective in the statistics as contained in oil production data in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and the increase in agricultural activities across farming communities in the current farming season.
It is obvious that the volume of agricultural outputs in the preceding harvest season will definitely rise. This is the reason why: some farming communities that were under the thumb of bandits were overran by security forces and are now basking in the euphoria of an unprecedented peace.
Last week, maize was sold for N500 to N600 for a measure in some local markets in the north west such as Saminaka market in Kaduna State. The current price represents a sharp decline from the pre-farming period. Around April this year, a measure of Maize was sold as high as N1300 to N1500.
If the exchange rate was low which would have automatically reduced cost of input and the overall cost of production, and transportation couple with the increased participation by farmers as a result of the achievements recorded by security forces in the fight against banditry, and the activities of middlemen is checked in the market, the prices of food items would have been much lower than what is obtainable today at retail outlets.
The main challenge now is how government will curb hoarding of farm produce, which will lead to artificial scarcity and the smuggling of food into neighbouring countries to ensure availability in a cost – effective way. Security, indeed, is paramount to our GDP growth and economic prosperity, and the CDS’s proficiency in combating the tapestry of insecurity has been profound to our short and long-term trajectory in view of national, and food securities.
Government needs to come up with a robust national food programme that will leverage the improved security situation in many farming communities to enable high yield in agricultural output.
The firepower of the Military at the frontline: the general area of Abuja – Kaduna expressway, Birnin Gwari, Kauru, Zango-Kataf, Zaria, Giwa, Kaura, Sanga, Kubau in kaduna State, have subdued the heinous crime being perpetrated daily in these areas by bandits and the threats they posed to farmers. Maro and Kauru are likely the last bastion of marauders in kaduna State.
However, on Tuesday 29th and 30th October, 2024 the Chief of Defense Staff landed his boots on the backwoods of Maro in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State in his continuous effort to make the country a safe haven.
He has taken the war against banditry to the hinterland of Maro.
Maro, a geographically isolated agrarian community hidden in the wilds, was bedeviled by incessant attacks, the Bani Kanwa forest has made Maro susceptible to attacks by bandits. The community is regarded in all ramifications as an ungoverned space with no government presence.
He addressed troops at Kachia in Kachia LGA, and Kafanchan and urged them not to leave any stone unturned and assured them of their welfare.
–Dauda, writes from Kaduna.
