Abuja, Nigeria – August 14, 2025
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerians to regulate livestock movement and adopt ranching as a strategic measure to end recurring clashes between farmers and herders.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit scheduled for August 25–27, Musa said uncontrolled grazing often leads to farmland destruction and escalates tensions. He stressed that ranching would keep animals healthier, more productive, and prevent encroachment into croplands.
“Traditionally, when an animal strayed into a farm, it was arrested, the owner paid a fine, and the animal was returned. This system maintained peace,” Musa explained. “But it is important that we create designated areas to keep these animals. They are better off when kept on a ranch.”
The CDS emphasized that livestock rearing is a commercial venture and should be conducted within a structured, legal framework that includes proper land acquisition and infrastructure for ranches. He identified land ownership disputes, unregulated cattle movement, and animal rustling as the main drivers of the farmer–herder conflict, noting that these are largely political and structural issues.
The upcoming defence summit, which has President Bola Tinubu’s approval, is expected to draw top military chiefs from across Africa to Abuja to discuss regional security challenges and collaborative strategies.