The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), combatting terrorism in Lake Chad Basin region, has presented mechanised farm tools to farmers in Borno.
The spokesperson of the MNJTF, Lt. Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke, said the items were distributed to farmers to boost food production on the shores of Lake Chad in Kukawa LGA.
This, the army said, was done as part of the Civil-Military Cooperation activities.
Some of these agricultural equipment, he said, were handed over to farmers in Kukawa, Baga by the Force Commander (FC), Maj,-Gen. G.U Chibuisi.
The FC who was represented by the Deputy Force Commander, Brig.-Gen. Assoualai Blama, said the gesture was supported by the African Union (AU) would ease security challenges in the area through engagment of more youths in agriculture.
Earlier, the Commander 403 Amphibious Brigade in Baga, Brig.-Gen. O.A Ajagbe thanked the MNJTF for the support which he said would go a long way in contributing to food production in the area.
”Agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy of the communities and engaging these youths in this lucrative business would keep them away from crimes, particularly the threat of being recruited by terrorists,” he said.
Ajagbe also lauded AU’s commitment towards regional peace and security and urged communities in the region to sustain support to MNJTF for more successes in containing terrorism in the area.
Items presented to the farmers include ploughs, wheel barrows and hoes among others.