The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has emphasized the urgent need for better management of livestock movement in Nigeria to address the long-standing clashes between farmers and herders.

Speaking in Abuja ahead of the Maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit scheduled for August 25–27, General Musa highlighted ranching as the most sustainable approach to resolving the crisis.

According to him, the traditional system—where straying livestock was detained until the owner paid a fine—once helped manage disputes. However, changing dynamics and growing tensions between farmers and herders have made this practice less effective.

Musa explained that ranching offers multiple benefits beyond conflict prevention. By housing animals in controlled environments, livestock would be healthier, expend less energy, and produce more milk, thereby boosting overall productivity.

He dismissed concerns that his call for ranching was aimed at seizing farmlands, clarifying instead that it should be approached as a business opportunity for private investors and state governments. He encouraged states to establish model ranch farms as examples for wider adoption across the country.

“Why don’t you ranch them? You get the best out of them. It’s a win-win for everyone,” Musa stressed.

Beyond livestock management, the CDS also outlined efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s defence manufacturing sector. He revealed that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is being restructured to improve local arms production, standardize equipment, and extend the lifespan of military hardware through refurbishment.

Nigeria, he said, is procuring armoured vehicles, drones, and other equipment from local manufacturers while creating opportunities for exports to neighbouring African countries.

Looking ahead to the African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit, General Musa emphasized the importance of regional collaboration against shared threats. The summit, themed “Combating Contemporary Threats to Peace and Security in Africa,” will bring together representatives from 54 African nations to strengthen joint crisis response, intelligence sharing, and continental security strategies.

Musa commended President Bola Tinubu’s support for initiatives aimed at improving security within Nigeria and across Africa, noting that sustainable livestock management through ranching remains critical to lasting peace between farmers and herders.