AgriShield: FG's New Push to Secure Farmers, Strengthen Food Supply

The Federal Government is strengthening the link between national security and food security through the Agri Shield Initiative, led by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

The initiative, operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), is being implemented in partnership with TAG International, with Borno State serving as the pilot location.

Special Adviser to the National Security Adviser on Strategic Communication and Civil Society Liaison, Dr Chido Onumah, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

Bridging Security and Agricultural Livelihoods

Onumah explained that the initiative is designed to help farmers safely access their farms, cultivate their crops, and bring their harvests to markets without fear. He said Agri Shield would translate security efforts into practical outcomes by focusing on safer livelihoods, agricultural recovery, and a more secure national food supply, with its central message — "Our Presence is Your Peace" — aimed at connecting security interventions with everyday realities in farming communities.

Survey Reveals Significant Awareness Gap

According to Onumah, a baseline survey conducted between June and July across 18 wards in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, and Mafa Local Government Areas revealed a significant visibility gap around 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 just about two per cent knew of the NCTC itself — despite 86 per cent expressing strong interest in receiving information about government security efforts.

Onumah noted that unemployment, cost of living, and food insecurity emerged as major concerns for 81 per cent, 70 per cent, and 57 per cent of respondents respectively. He said these findings underscore the need for government to demonstrate credible alternatives centred on protection, livelihoods, visible delivery, and hope.

Pilot Campaign Details

According to Onumah, the pilot campaign will run from October to December across Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, and Mafa, using radio programmes, town halls, local drama, and testimonies from farmers and security personnel. "Four radio stations will broadcast 24 talk shows and 80 jingles in Hausa and Kanuri, while six town hall meetings will provide platforms for communities to engage security representatives," he said.

He added that an end line survey would be conducted in December to measure changes in awareness, trust, and public understanding, noting that radio remains central to the campaign given that 67 per cent of respondent’s access information through the medium, with 41 per cent identifying it as their most trusted source. Community and religious leaders will also be engaged, while Facebook, TikTok, SMS, and telephone platforms will help reach younger people and farmers with limited internet access.

Multi-Agency Collaboration

Onumah said the initiative has attracted participation from several federal institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force, Defence Headquarters, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services. "Others are the Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, National Orientation Agency, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution and NIRSAL Plc," he added.

He explained that the National Orientation Agency would deploy its structures and personnel for community mobilisation, dialogue, drama, and local-language outreach, while Defence Headquarters would provide strategic communication structures, monthly briefings, Armed Forces Radio, and service platforms. The NSCDC, he said, would contribute through its Agro-Rangers mandate.

According to Onumah, the initiative is also supported by the Network of Civil Society Organisations in Borno State, which brings together about 200 organisations, while TAG International provides technical support in research, campaign design, content development, monitoring, and evaluation.

Accountability and Transparency at the Core

Onumah said inter-agency coordination would be central to the campaign, with nominated communication focal points and an NCTC clearing house established to ensure consistency and accuracy. He noted that operational claims would be verified by responsible agencies before publication, while sensitive information would remain protected from disclosure, adding that the campaign will avoid exaggerated claims since public confidence depends on communication that is accurate, timely, and backed by visible action.

Farmers at the Centre of National Security

Onumah said Agri Shield reflects the Federal Government's recognition that food security cannot be separated from human security. "Farmers who feel protected are more likely to return to their fields. Communities that receive credible information are better placed to resist rumours, cooperate with authorities and report threats," he said.

He added that the initiative places farmers at the centre of the national security conversation by connecting security operations, agricultural resilience, public information, community participation, and conflict prevention — with the ultimate goal of creating safer communities where more Nigerians can produce food without surrendering their land or future to fear.