Kaduna govt recovers 500,000 hectares of farmland from bandits – Commissioner claims
Kaduna State Recovers 500,000 Hectares of Farmland from Bandits
Kaduna State, Nigeria — Approximately 500,000 hectares of farmland previously dominated by bandits have been reclaimed, allowing local farmers to resume agricultural activities, according to state officials.
Ahmed Maiyaki, the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, made the announcement during a gala event hosted by the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel as part of its annual retreat in Kaduna.
Maiyaki highlighted the impact of recent security measures implemented by the state government, which he said have resulted in significant improvements in safety across several regions. He noted that bandits had previously exerted control over rural communities, imposing taxes, regulating farming practices, and even collecting dowries expected to be paid by residents.
The commissioner remarked on the dire circumstances farmers faced, which prevented them from accessing their land. However, he reported that peace has returned to these areas, primarily due to community-led security initiatives and early warning systems.
“The administration has integrated both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies by empowering traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders to actively participate in the fight against insecurity,” Maiyaki stated.
He also reported that between 2023 and early 2026, authorities identified 75 potential security threats, addressing 70 of them successfully, thereby averting possible communal or religious conflicts.
Furthermore, Maiyaki noted that enhanced security has allowed the government to boost investments in agriculture significantly, with budget allocations increasing from ₦1.4 billion in 2023 to over ₦100 billion in 2026. This increased funding has facilitated the distribution of fertilizers to farmers, improving maize yields from three bags per hectare to as many as 22 bags.
The commissioner emphasized that these efforts have contributed to reducing food insecurity and restoring dignity to rural communities.
Earlier in the event, Murtala Adewale, Chairman of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, indicated that the journalists were gathered in Kaduna for their annual retreat, focusing on the theme: “2027 General Elections: Navigating Legal, Security and Ethical Challenges in the Media.”
