Crop theft forces Yobe farmers to relocate to farms

Farmers in Yobe State have begun relocating to their farms, guarding their produce round-the-clock due to a rise in crop thefts, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Farmers in areas such as Damaturu, Gujba, Gashua, and Karasuwa have adopted these measures as harvest season begins.

Alhaji Usman Ngari, Yobe Chairman of the All Farmers Association, expressed concern over the unprecedented scale of crop theft.

“In my 35 years of commercial farming, we’ve seen occasional theft of sesame and beans. But now, thieves are targeting all crops, putting farmers’ livelihoods at severe risk,” Ngari said.

He attributed the theft surge to 2024’s destructive floods and worsening economic conditions, adding that some thieves may have lost their crops to the floods or simply lack funds to cultivate their land.

Ngari urged farmers to collaborate for mutual protection and report suspicious activities to local authorities. He also appealed to security forces to enhance farm patrols to deter theft.

One affected farmer, Mr Paul Ogaji from Mutai village in Gujba Council, reported that on October 15, thieves raided his sorghum farm, making off with crops valued at N16 million.

“They cut down about 80 per cent of my crop at night, loading an estimated 180 bags worth N75,000 each,” Ogaji said, adding that only about 20 bags were left untouched.

Another farmer, Babagana Kolo from Dikumari near Damaturu, reported a similar incident, with 10 bags of rice stolen on October 28, each valued at around N130,000 to N140,000.

Similarly, sesame farmer Madu Aisami from Malum Kunu in Karasuwa Council said he lost over 20 heaps of sesame stalks, amounting to nearly 20 bags valued at N130,000 per bag.

Confirming the upsurge, Ahmed Isa, the Commander of the Agro Rangers unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), revealed that 15 suspects were arrested during the 2024 harvest season.

However, most were released after victims, backed by local leaders, withdrew charges, preferring to settle matters outside formal channels.

Isa appealed to government authorities for logistical support, noting that his unit has only one operational vehicle with worn tyres, limiting patrols.

He advised farmers to avoid storing crops in fields overnight and urged stakeholders to assist in equipping the unit to combat crop theft effectively.