The 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Gusau, has distributed free fertilisers to 100 farmers in Zamfara state as part of its non-kinetic strategy to restore peace and stability.
The Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Mustapha Jimoh, represented by the Assistant Chief of Staff, Lt. Col. Isah Galadima, during the distribution, said the gesture was aimed at boosting food production and strengthening civil-military relations.
“It is not all that time we carry weapons to fight, we also use non-kinetic approaches to build confidence through sharing of food items, educational materials, medical outreaches, and support communities for better understanding,” Galadima stated.
He added that the initiative aligned with the leadership philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who prioritises peace-building alongside security operations.
Beneficiaries were drawn from villages in the Tsafe Local Government Area, including Gidan-Giye, Kucheri, Magazu, Bilbis, and Fegin-baza.
The army, however, warned against any diversion of the fertiliser, urging farmers to use it judiciously to achieve the intended impact.
The Emir of Tsafe, Alhaji Muhammad Bawa, represented by the Senior District Head, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu (Sarkin Gabar), expressed appreciation, describing the intervention as timely due to the scarcity of fertiliser this year.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of Tsafe LGA, Sani Abdullahi, assured that the council would monitor the usage to ensure only the intended farmers benefitted.
One of the beneficiaries, Malam Abubakar Marafa, thanked the army on behalf of the farmers.
“We couldn’t afford fertiliser because of the high cost. Now that we have it free from the army, we will make the best use of it.
“We also pray for the success of the Army in its operations,” said Marafa.
(Channels)
