By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has launched the AgriShield Initiative in Borno State to improve farmers’ security, support agricultural recovery and strengthen food security in conflict-affected communities.
The initiative, led by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), is being implemented in partnership with TAG International, with Borno serving as the pilot state.
Chido Onumah, Special Adviser to the National Security Adviser on Strategic Communication and Civil Society Liaison, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
He said the programme was designed to enable farmers to access their farms safely, produce food and transport their harvests to markets without fear, while linking security interventions with livelihood recovery.
Onumah said a baseline survey conducted between June and July across 18 wards in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere and Mafa local government areas revealed low public awareness of government security initiatives.
The survey, which covered 1,409 residents, found that only 17 per cent were aware of local efforts to counter violent extremism, while about two per cent knew about the NCTC. However, 86 per cent expressed interest in receiving information about government security efforts.
The survey also identified unemployment, the cost of living and food insecurity as major concerns, affecting 81 per cent, 70 per cent and 57 per cent of respondents respectively.
Onumah said the findings showed the need for government to demonstrate tangible improvements in security, livelihoods and public services.
The pilot campaign will run from October to December across the three local government areas, using radio programmes, town hall meetings, community drama and testimonies from farmers and security personnel.
Four radio stations are expected to broadcast 24 talk shows and 80 jingles in Hausa and Kanuri, while six town hall meetings will allow residents to engage directly with security representatives.
Radio will remain a major channel for the campaign, with 67 per cent of respondents reporting that they receive information through the medium and 41 per cent identifying it as their most trusted source.
The programme will also involve community and religious leaders, while Facebook, TikTok, SMS and telephone platforms will be used to reach younger audiences and farmers with limited internet access.
An endline survey is scheduled for December to assess changes in public awareness, trust and understanding of government security initiatives.
The initiative involves several federal institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force, Defence Headquarters, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, National Orientation Agency, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution and NIRSAL Plc.
