The Nigerian Army has distributed free fertilizer to 100 farmers in Zamfara State as part of its peacebuilding efforts and bid to strengthen civil-military relations.
The initiative, carried out by the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Gusau, forms part of the military’s non-kinetic strategy to stabilise communities grappling with insecurity. The distribution exercise took place in Tsafe Local Government Area, benefiting farmers from villages including Gidan-Giye, Kucheri, Magazu, Bilbis, and Fegin-baza.
Speaking at the event, Brigade Commander Brigadier General Mustapha Jimoh—represented by Lt. Col. Isah Galadima, Assistant Chief of Staff—underscored the Army’s commitment to community engagement alongside combat operations.
“It is not all the time we carry weapons to fight,” Galadima said. “We also adopt non-kinetic approaches like this—providing food items, educational materials, medical outreach, and agricultural support—to build trust and promote lasting peace.”
He added that the intervention aligns with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who has emphasized community-centered security strategies.
The Army cautioned against diverting the fertilizer and urged beneficiaries to use it effectively to boost food production and improve livelihoods.
Community leaders welcomed the support. Representing the Emir of Tsafe, Alhaji Muhammad Bawa, the Senior District Head, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu (Sarkin Gabar), described the initiative as timely given the prevailing scarcity of fertilizer.
Vice Chairman of Tsafe Local Government, Hon. Sani Abdullahi, assured that the council would monitor the process to ensure the supplies reached only the intended beneficiaries.
One of the recipients, Malam Abubakar Magaji Marafa, expressed gratitude on behalf of farmers.
“We couldn’t afford fertilizer because of the high cost. Now that we got 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,” he said.
The Army reiterated its determination to combine security measures with community development as part of its broader peacebuilding agenda in Zamfara.
