The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa says Nigerians must confine animals in ranches to end incessant clashes between farmers and herders in the country.
The CDS also declared that the military would do whatever it takes to secure Nigeria and the African continent against emerging threats.
He spoke yesterday during a press briefing on the forthcoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja, which will have the theme “Combating Contemporary Threats to Peace and Security in Africa.”
He said confining animals in the country would help end the perennial clashes between farming communities and herders.
He said, “We must stop killing animals. Traditionally, what we have done before is, if an animal strays into a farm, we arrest it, then the owner comes and pays a fine, and they take it back. If we do that, we will have peace.
“But it is important that we get areas where we can keep these animals. They are better off when they are kept on a ranch.
“If you don’t want to call it ranching, call it whatever it is, but provide an area where they don’t need to move around.
“I want us as Nigerians to look at this so that we can deal with this issue. Because one of the big security challenges we’re having is this issue of farmer-herders.”
The CDS emphasised that reaching has many advantages for animal owners and should be embraced without hindrances.
He reiterated, “Because once they move around, they spend energy. They are smaller, they don’t produce so much milk for you.
“Why don’t you do that? Why don’t you ranch them? You get the best out of them. So it’s a win-win to all of us.”
He condemned insinuation in some quarters that because he was advocating for ranching, he was asking government to take people’s lands.
“Some people felt that we are encouraging the government to buy farms and ranching is a business.
“I think anybody that is interested in ranching should also do that. Again, if state governments are interested in their own regions, they should do that.
“They can also show model ranch farms for people to do.
“But what we’re saying is for us to address this security situation, we must stop animals going into farms.”
On the coming conference, he said Nigeria had, over the years, demonstrated readiness to protect its sovereignty, support neighbours, and contribute to peace and stability efforts across the continent.
“We have invited all 54 African countries, and I am pleased to announce that we have recorded over 90 per cent attendance.
“This reflects our shared recognition of the need to unite against common threats.
“Our goal is to strengthen rapid crisis response capabilities, establish joint training exercises, enhance intelligence sharing, and develop a unified continental strategy to address our security challenges,” he said.
The CDS emphasised the importance of solidarity, mutual respect, and cultural understanding among African nations, noting that Africa’s security was directly linked to its economic growth and development.
“A secure Africa is a prosperous Africa. We must step up, work together as brothers and sisters, and act now before it is too late. Our collective will is our greatest weapon,” he added.
Musa commended President Bola Tinubu for his renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security posture and supporting initiatives promoting regional peace and stability.
According to him, the summit is an opportunity to forge lasting partnerships, pool resources, and ensure that Africa is prepared to respond effectively to any crisis.
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