The Federal Government has tasked veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals within the Nigerian Police Force to play a key role in safeguarding the country’s livestock sector.
During a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, ldi Mukhtar Maiha, emphasized the importance of leveraging the nationwide presence of police veterinary personnel for disease surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and early intervention in farmer-herder conflicts.
Mukhtar highlighted that with over 80 veterinarians and 70 veterinary paraprofessionals deployed across all states, the Police Force represents one of the most strategically positioned teams for protecting Nigeria’s livestock.
He urged them to use their boots-on-the-ground advantage to monitor animal health, support national vaccination drives, and mediate conflicts where tensions arise between farmers and herders, reinforcing the vital role of veterinary professionals in securing the nation’s food system.
The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, outlined ongoing nationwide initiatives to combat priority animal diseases including Rabies, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
He commended the Ministry’s proactive approach and stressed the integration of police veterinary personnel into these programs to strengthen disease prevention and ensure timely responses to outbreaks, which is crucial for maintaining livestock productivity and resilience.
Representatives from the Nigerian Police and L-PRES also praised the initiative, noting its potential to enhance collaboration and protect critical livestock infrastructure.
The policy aligns with the Federal Government’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to increase livestock productivity, promote food security, and support peaceful coexistence among farming communities across Nigeria.
By positioning veterinary professionals as active agents in both disease control and conflict resolution, the initiative seeks to build a safer and more sustainable livestock sector nationwide.
