Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerians to adopt ranching as a sustainable solution to recurring clashes between farmers and herders.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during a briefing on the forthcoming Maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference slated for August 25–27, Musa said controlling livestock movement and keeping animals on designated ranches would prevent the destruction of farmlands and ease tensions.

He explained that ranching would not only curb conflicts but also improve livestock productivity, noting that animals lose weight and produce less milk when they roam long distances. “Why don’t you ranch them? You get the best out of them. It’s a win-win for all of us,” he said.

The CDS dismissed concerns that advocating ranching meant government would seize people’s land, describing it instead as a business opportunity for individuals and state governments. He suggested that states could establish model ranches to guide private investors.

On defence production, Musa said Nigeria was overhauling the Defence Industries Corporation to harmonise local manufacturing, standardise equipment, and prevent arms from falling into the wrong hands. He disclosed that the country was acquiring armoured vehicles, drones, and other hardware from local companies, while repairing existing equipment to extend their lifespan.

The CDS added that the initiative would bolster security, create jobs, and open export markets to neighbouring countries.

He also called for stronger African cooperation against asymmetric threats, noting that the upcoming defence conference—expected to attract delegates from 54 African nations—would focus on rapid crisis response, joint training, intelligence sharing, and developing a unified continental security strategy.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved a further extension of the grace period for enforcing the tinted glass permit requirement for vehicles until October 2, 2025.

The Force spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the decision followed a surge in applications on the official portal, prompting the need for more time to scrutinise requests and ensure permits are issued only to eligible persons in line with national security considerations.

The extension will also allow for continued fine-tuning of digital and physical verification processes to maintain the integrity of the permit system and prevent abuse.

The police reiterated that the authorised application platform remains possap.gov.ng and urged the public to disregard unofficial channels. Citizens were also encouraged to report extortion, hidden charges, or unauthorised processing to the police via the hotline 08147818871.

The Force pledged to balance public convenience with robust security measures.

The Senate on Tuesday asked the military to urgently redeploy personnel and advanced equipment to Borno and Yobe states following a resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in the area.

This resolution followed renewed insurgent attacks in the North-East region, including the killing of over a dozen soldiers in Marte town of Monguno Local Government Area on Monday, May 12, and a subsequent assault early Tuesday on Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai LGA.

In a motion raised by the Senate chief whip, Tahir Munguno, lawmakers noted that while two-thirds of Borno State’s local government areas were once under Boko Haram control, collaborative efforts between the Nigerian military and civilian Joint Task Force had successfully reclaimed the territories.

The restored peace, however, had led to a relocation of tactical command to the North-West, where the military is combating kidnapping and banditry.

Expressing concern over the militants’ evolving tactics, Munguno highlighted the use of modern technologies by the group, including drones, and an increase in the deployment of improvised explosive devices, which have led to high civilian and military casualties, disrupting transportation networks.

The senate subsequently resolved to: urge the military high command to swiftly redeploy sufficient troops to the North-East and ensure they are adequately equipped with modern technology to effectively combat the renewed threat, as well as mandate the committees on the Army and Air Force to monitor and ensure compliance with this directive.

Zulum Condemns Attacks
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has strongly condemned the recent spate of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in various parts of the state.

Recently, the insurgents launched attacks on the Maiduguri-Damboa Road, Marte, Chibok, Gwoza, Kala Balge, among other communities.

Governor Zulum also expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the families of all victims including those affected by the tragic explosion of improvised explosive device (IED) along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, the Borno governor reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to working closely with the Federal Government, military, and other security agencies to contain the security challenges.

“These acts of terror are deeply condemnable. The recent tragic loss of our education staff, gallant troops, and innocent civilians is a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face,” Governor Zulum stated.

“I am more determined than ever to support the military, security agencies, and our volunteer forces in the fight to end terrorism and insurgency in our state.”

The governor recalled his recent visit to Gwoza, where he engaged with military personnel and the Izge community, as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce resilience and ensure the protection of lives and property.

“The recent surge in attacks will not deter our resolve to tackle the scourge of the 16-year-long insurgency. I urge the people of Borno to remain resilient and prayerful. This is a partial eclipse — and we shall overcome it, Insha Allah,” Zulum assured.

He extended his thoughts and prayers to the families of the fallen troops, innocent civilians, and all citizens of Borno State during this difficult period.

The explosion, which occurred on May 12, claimed the lives of two staff members of the Damboa Local Education Authority who were on their way to Maiduguri to sit for the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) examination.

Several members of the armed forces and innocent civilians have also lost their lives in the recent wave of violent attacks.