The 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Gusau, has distributed free fertilizer to 100 farmers in Zamfara as part of its non-kinetic strategy to restore peace and stability in the state.
The Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Mustapha Jimoh, represented by the Assistant Chief of Staff, Lt. Col. Isah Galadima, said the gesture was aimed at boosting food production and strengthening civil-military relations.
“It is not all the time we carry weapons to fight. We also use non-kinetic approaches like this to build confidence, share food items, educational materials, medical outreaches, and support communities for better understanding,” Galadima explained.
He stressed that the initiative aligns with the leadership philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who prioritizes peacebuilding alongside security operations.
Beneficiaries were drawn from villages in Tsafe Local Government Area, including Gidan-Giye, Kucheri, Magazu, Bilbis, and Fegin-baza. The Army warned against any diversion of the fertilizer, 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 fertilizer this year.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of Tsafe LGA, Hon. Sani Abdullahi, assured that the council would monitor the usage to ensure only the intended farmers benefitted.
One of the beneficiaries, Malam Abubakar Magaji Marafa, thanked the Army on behalf of the farmers, saying: “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.”
