In a bid to support peacebuilding efforts and strengthen civil-military relations, the Nigerian Army has distributed free fertilizer to 100 local farmers in Zamfara State.

The initiative, spearheaded by the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army based in Gusau, is part of the military’s non-kinetic strategy to stabilise communities affected by insecurity.

he distribution took place in Tsafe Local Government Area, with farmers from villages such as Gidan-Giye, Kucheri, Magazu, Bilbis, and Fegin-baza benefiting from the intervention.

Speaking during the event, the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Mustapha Jimoh—represented by Lt. Col. Isah Galadima, Assistant Chief of Staff—highlighted the Army’s broader role in community engagement beyond combat operations.

“It is not all the time we carry weapons to fight,” Galadima said.

“We also adopt non-kinetic approaches like this—providing food items, educational materials, medical outreach, and agricultural support—to build trust and promote lasting peace.”

He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the peacebuilding vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who advocates for community-centered security operations.

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The Army warned against any diversion of the fertilizer, urging farmers to use the input responsibly to increase food production and improve livelihoods in the region.

Community leaders welcomed the intervention. Representing the Emir of Tsafe, Alhaji Muhammad Bawa, the Senior District Head, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu (Sarkin Gabar), described the gesture as timely, especially amid widespread fertilizer scarcity.

Vice Chairman of Tsafe Local Government, Hon. Sani Abdullahi, assured that the council would closely monitor the distribution to ensure it reaches only the intended beneficiaries.

One of the recipients, Malam Abubakar Magaji Marafa, expressed gratitude on behalf of the farmers.

“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,” he said.

The Army reiterated its commitment to combining security operations with community development as a pathway to sustainable peace in the region.