Governor Blames Peace Deals With Bandits By Some Northern Governors For Rising Cattle Rustling In Niger State

Governor Bago described the situation as alarming and unacceptable, noting that he intends to escalate the matter to the highest authorities in the country.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has raised concern over the increasing infiltration of cattle rustlers into the state, blaming peace negotiations between some state governments and bandits for fuelling the crime.

He said stolen livestock are being moved out of Niger State into neighbouring states in large numbers.

The governor spoke during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting held in Minna on the implementation of the State Trade Animal Movement Security and Veterinary Inspection Permit.

Governor Bago described the situation as alarming and unacceptable, noting that he intends to escalate the matter to the highest authorities in the country.

He observed that negotiations with bandits in some states have given rise to castle rustling, stressing that it is unacceptable.

According to him, he will seek the intervention of the President and the National Security Adviser on the issue.

This statement suggests that the state’s worsening rustling crisis may be a spillover effect from lenient or appeasement strategies used by some state governments, which he said require urgent federal attention.

He also condemned the sale of bush-slaughtered meat, insisting that moving forward, only meat from recognised abattoirs would be permitted in markets across Niger State. He further ordered that all animals brought into the state must be vaccinated to ensure the health of consumers and livestock.

In a directive aimed at preventing clashes between farmers and herders, the governor warned both groups against encroaching on restricted areas.

He stated, “No farmer should farm on the right of way that is side by side with the highway,” and added that “herders must not allow their animals to graze on people’s farms, pointing out that anyone found wanting will be dealt with.”

These pronouncements signal a tougher approach from the government in managing land use conflicts, which have historically led to violence in parts of the state.

Governor Bago also pointed to the legal backing for the new policies under the Animal Disease Control Act of 2022. He said Sections 18 and 19 of the Act empower the state to issue permits for animal transportation through its Department of Animal Health and Veterinary Services.

He clarified the purpose of the new policy, stating, “The introduction of the Trade Animal Movement Security and Veterinary Inspection Permit systems is not to frustrate livestock operators but to secure the trade corridors, track animal health status, and strengthen veterinary compliance across markets, farms, and borders.”

He explained that the initiative is designed to modernise livestock management in the state while protecting both consumers and business interests.

Governor Bago also revealed a larger plan to create safe and designated areas for grazing. He said the state is working with federal ministries and development partners to make grazing safer and more sustainable.

He explained, “The state has 120,000 hectares of land for grazing reserves across the state, and it is working with the federal ministries of livestock and agriculture as well as development partners to bring in seeds for grasses to plant pastures for livestock to graze within the reserves and that basic amenities would be provided.”

The Commissioner for Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, Umar Sanda Rabe, described the meeting as a positive step toward animal welfare. He lamented the practice of slaughtering animals without veterinary checks and said this must stop to curb the spread of diseases.

He warned that failure to examine animals before slaughtering them could lead to disease outbreaks that would threaten public health and affect the meat market.

In his remarks, the President of the National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors, and Marketers of Nigeria, Alhaji Ilyasu Bulama, expressed deep concern over the impact of cattle rustling on their members’ businesses. However, he voiced optimism that the governor’s new initiative would yield results.

He said, “The association had met with several traditional institutions and security agencies in that regard and expressed confidence that the implementation of the state trade animal movement permit by the state government would tackle the challenges.”

Also lending support to the governor’s efforts, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Niger State, Umar Abubakar Lapai, said the veterinary permit system would ensure safer meat consumption and reduce the chances of conflict between farmers and herders.

He said, “The idea of implementing the veterinary inspection permit will go a long way in ensuring healthy meat consumption, while the establishment of cattle ranches will help in addressing farmer-herder clashes.”

Other key representatives, including Shehu Sarkin Pawa of the Butchers Association, Sadiq Abubakar representing cattle breeders, and Fulani leader Hussaini Bosso, echoed their support for the governor’s policies.

They commended his leadership and expressed hope that the measures would bring lasting peace and improvement to the livestock sector in Niger State.