Group backs CDS Musa, others on call to ban open grazing

A civil society organisation, the National Security and Development Group, has declared support for the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, over his call for a nationwide ban on open grazing, describing the move as critical to addressing insecurity across the country.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the group’s Secretary, Chuks Oyema, urged Nigerians to heed the advice of the defence chief and other prominent voices demanding an end to the practice.

“We are here this morning to commend the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa who have persistently advocated an end to open grazing as a result of the dangers it poses to lives and properties,” Oyema said.

“As a seasoned and tested General, the Chief of Defence Staff is in a very good position to proffer solution to the crisis. We want to say that history will remember Gen. Musa for his sincerity on this issue.”

He noted that General Musa is not alone in his position. According to Oyema, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial District, has also joined in the demand for legislation to end open grazing.

The group recalled that in 2021, Northern governors had jointly declared open grazing “obsolete” after a virtual meeting, calling for its abolition. Similarly, the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB) has repeatedly argued that worsening insecurity can only be addressed by adopting ranching.

Citing a report by the International Crisis Group, Oyema noted that more than 1,300 Nigerians were killed in violence linked to open grazing in the first half of 2018.

“What were once spontaneous attacks have become premeditated scorched-earth campaigns in which marauders often take villages by surprise at night,” the group warned.

Further data from Nextier’s Violent Conflict Database showed that between 2020 and 2024, there were 359 incidents tied to open grazing, resulting in 2,349 deaths. In 2024 alone, 61 incidents led to 467 fatalities.

Oyema also referenced Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, who this year stressed the need to sensitise Fulani communities on the benefits of ranching for improved livestock management and greater economic returns.
Similarly, he said, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, recently urged lawmakers at the 3-Day National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security to enact legislation banning open grazing, citing its role in kidnappings and violent attacks.

The group insisted that the recommendations from General Musa and other stakeholders should no longer be ignored.

“Food security is being hampered when animals encroach into farms destroying the livelihood of Nigerians. In some cases, farmers have completely abandoned farming, their means of livelihood as a result of losses suffered.

“The result is food insecurity and loss of jobs in the agriculture sector. We should no longer shy away from this truth…We must do the right thing NOW!” it added.