The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has underscored the importance of adopting cattle ranching as a sustainable solution to the persistent conflicts between herders and farmers across Nigeria and the broader African continent.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday ahead of the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit, General Musa emphasized that ranching could play a pivotal role in addressing some of the major security issues confronting the region.
“One of the significant security challenges we face today is the recurring clashes between farmers and herders,” Musa said. “We must look into this critically. When cattle are allowed to roam freely, they expend energy, become leaner, and produce less milk. Ranching ensures better livestock health and productivity — it's a win-win for all.”
General Musa advocated for a shift away from open grazing, urging stakeholders to consider controlled livestock management. He also called for a return to traditional dispute resolution practices, including impounding stray animals and imposing fines rather than resorting to violence.
“We must discourage the indiscriminate killing of animals. Instead, if livestock stray into farmlands, they should be apprehended, and owners made to pay compensation. This system encourages accountability and reduces tension,” he added.
Addressing misconceptions surrounding his remarks, the CDS clarified that he was not advocating for government land seizures under the guise of promoting ranching. Rather, he stressed that ranching is a viable business model that can be pursued by private individuals or supported through state-led initiatives.
“Some have misunderstood our call as a push for government to acquire land. That’s not the case,” he clarified. “Interested individuals or state governments can establish model ranches to demonstrate the benefits and provide guidance.”
He further stressed the necessity of designated areas for livestock, regardless of terminology. “Whether you call it ranching or another name, the goal is to provide settled areas for animals to avoid constant movement that leads to conflict,” he said.
Beyond the farmer-herder crisis, General Musa also outlined broader continental security threats including terrorism from Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, and ISIS affiliates, as well as the growing menace of banditry, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, kidnapping, and cyberattacks on defence infrastructure.
The upcoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit, scheduled for August 25–27, 2025, is expected to serve as a platform for African military leaders to collectively assess these threats and develop unified strategies for regional peace and stability.
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