500,000 hectares of farmland recovered from bandits in Kaduna — Commissioner

The Kaduna State Government has reclaimed over 500,000 hectares of farmland from bandit control in the past three years, according to Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki. Speaking at a gala night at the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel in Kaduna, Maiyaki attributed the success to enhanced security measures, allowing farmers to resume agricultural activities.

The government's strategy incorporated kinetic operations with non-kinetic measures like empowering traditional rulers and religious leaders to combat insecurity. In the past three years, 75 potential threats were identified, with 70 successfully addressed to avoid possible conflicts. The increased security has led to a rise in investment in agriculture, with the budget allocation growing from N1.4 billion in 2023 to over N100 billion in 2026.

This funding has facilitated the free distribution of fertilizers and led to higher maize yields, increasing from three bags per hectare to up to 22 bags. The administration emphasizes the impact of its policies on residents, noting improvements in health, education, and transportation sectors.