Rising cases of banditry in Nigeria have been linked to deep-rooted land use conflicts between farmers and herders, according to former Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar.
Speaking during a media interaction ahead of his governorship ambition in Bauchi State, Tuggar identified structural imbalances in land allocation and management as a key driver of insecurity across affected regions.
His comments come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent rural violence, particularly in the North, where disputes over land resources have escalated into deadly confrontations.
Land Use Imbalance Driving Insecurity
Tuggar explained that the increasing tension between farmers and herders is largely a result of population growth and the gradual encroachment on designated grazing routes.
He noted that as more land is converted for farming and urban development, traditional pastoral pathways are shrinking, forcing herders into conflict-prone areas.
According to him, the lack of clearly defined and properly managed grazing reserves has worsened the situation, leaving both farmers and herders competing for limited resources.
Pastoralism Not a Backward Practice
The former minister pushed back against narratives that portray pastoralism as outdated or incompatible with modern society.
He emphasized that livestock rearing remains a structured and economically viable system in many developed countries, adding that Nigeria should focus on modernizing the sector rather than dismissing it.
This, he said, includes investing in ranching systems, improving livestock management, and integrating technology into agricultural practices.
Displacement and Economic Hardship Fuel Crime
Tuggar warned that indiscriminate allocation of farmland to individuals who fail to utilize it productively is displacing local farmers and worsening rural poverty.
“When people are disenfranchised and can no longer sustain themselves, they may resort to banditry or other criminal activities,” he said.
He stressed that economic marginalization remains a critical factor behind rising insecurity, as affected populations are left with limited means of survival.
Unpaid Pensions Add to Social Instability
Beyond land-related issues, Tuggar identified delayed pension payments as another contributor to insecurity in Nigeria.
He explained that when retirees are unable to meet their basic needs, the financial strain often extends to their families, increasing the likelihood of social unrest and criminal activity.
Ensuring timely payment of pensions and gratuities, he noted, is essential for maintaining stability within communities.
Call for Balanced and Inclusive Solutions
To address the growing crisis, Tuggar called for a balanced approach that protects the interests of both farmers and herders.
He urged collaboration between government authorities, traditional institutions, and local communities to develop sustainable land use policies.
Key recommendations include:
- Proper management of grazing reserves
- Modernization of agricultural and pastoral systems
- Fair and productive land allocation
- Strengthening rural economies
- Economic Diversification as a Long-Term Fix
Tuggar also highlighted the need to expand job opportunities across key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and business process outsourcing.
He argued that inclusive economic policies can significantly reduce unemployment and discourage involvement in criminal activities.
According to him, tackling insecurity requires not just security measures, but also long-term investments in economic development and social welfare.
