Bayo Muhammad Alabira, Dutse
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi said a cross-border water strategy has been deployed to address security challenges tied to seasonal livestock migration from the neighboring Niger Republic.
This was according to the press release made available to reporters on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Muhammed Hamisu Gumel.
The release said the Governor made this known while receiving a delegation from the Strategic Intelligence Management Institute (SIMI), led by Ambassador M.D. Aliyu, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Dutse.
Namadi described the influx of cattle and camels from Niger Republic during harsh weather conditions as a major source of pressure on local resources and a potential trigger for conflicts between farmers and herders.
To manage the situation, Governor Namadi said that the state government now provides water facilities across the border to support pastoralists before they move into Nigerian territory.
“To manage this situation, we introduced a strategy of providing water facilities across the border so that herders can remain there longer until our farmers harvest their crops.
“This has significantly reduced clashes and improved peaceful coexistence,” Namadi said.
Adding that the initiative reflects Jigawa’s shift toward proactive, intelligence-based, and community-oriented approaches, noting that the state’s relative peace despite proximity to volatile regions is the result of deliberate policies, collaboration with security agencies, and sustained engagement with border communities.
Governor Namadi, describing Jigawa as a frontline state bordering the Niger Republic, assured the delegation of full cooperation.
Speaking earlier, Ambassador M.D. Aliyu commended the state government for its hospitality and strategic insights, stating that Jigawa was selected for the Strategic Intelligence Management Course II study tour due to its unique border dynamics and effective security management.
He explained that the visit will expose senior security and intelligence officers to real-world challenges and help them develop informed policy recommendations on issues such as illegal migration, smuggling, arms trafficking, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other transnational organized crime.
