Military
UK Boosts Efficiency Rice Production in Nigeria

UK Boosts Efficiency Rice Production in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Kingdom (UK) has assisted in the introduction to Nigeria Systems of Rice Intensification – SRI, a climate smart agricultural practice that would lead to efficiency rice production
The introduced system can lead to reduction of input costs by 50%, with less use of water, doubling yields for farmers and reducing GHG emissions.
A statement on Wednesday by the Senior Press & Public Affairs Officer and Comms Lead, Prosperity and Economic Development, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Ndidiamaka Eze read that: “Since 2021, the UK Government’s LINKS programme implemented by Tetra Tech International Development has been piloting a couple of climate smart farming initiatives; helping farmers to increase yields and become more resilient in the face of climate change while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”

Eze said at a Climate Smart Agriculture results and lesson sharing event which held in Abuja on Wednesday, LINKS demonstrated that the project is starting to deliver impressive results, particularly the Systems of Rice Intensification – SRI, a climate smart agricultural practice which is a different way of producing rice that reduces input costs by 50%, with less use of water, doubling yields for farmers and reducing GHG emissions.
She explained that SRI involves early transplanting of seedlings and wide spacing to allow the plants to flourish, alternative wetting and drying rather than flooding and the use of organic rather than chemical fertilisers.

She disclosed that a further benefit for wider society is the overall climate impact delivered by SRI. Rice production traditionally produces methane (globally contributing approximately 2.5% of all human induced GHG emissions, roughly the same as international air travel) and this is set to grow in Nigeria with increasing consumption and production of paddy rice.
Speaking at Wednesday’s event, Team Leader, LINKS programme, Andrew Thorburn said: “Farmers were sceptical at first but after four seasons we now have over 26,000 farmers in Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa actively using SRI. The use of organic rather than chemical fertilisers equally meant that soil quality further improves every season which continued to deliver improved results as well as increased resilience to changing weather, especially flooding.”
British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Ben Llewellyn-Jones, represented by the FCDO Climate and Nature Lead in Abuja, Martine Sobey said: “The UK Government has a strong focus on supporting Nigeria to deliver its international climate commitments,” adding that: “We are particularly pleased to note that the Systems of Rice Intensification – SRI reduces the GHG emissions produced by rice growers by as much as 40% and look forward to seeing SRI expand throughout Nigeria”.
At the event participants heard from farmers based in Kano and Jigawa who were trained to use the SRI method explain how the change had benefited their lives and that of their communities. They also heard from Silvex International, a LINKS partner and aggregator who is planning to expand SRI to over 1,000 hectares in the coming years that will ensure benefits throughout the value chain. With this positive start, SRI is set to help Nigeria on the road to rice self-sufficiency as well as improving the environment for all.
The LINKS programme – Powering Economic Growth in Northern Nigeria – is a £12m UK government funded programme designed to support the development of a vibrant, inclusive, and diversified economy in three Northern Nigeria States of Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa.
LINKS primary objective is to develop high potential pro-poor value chains supporting them to be productive, competitive, and attractive for investment at every level.
The programme has had two main areas of activity, which are Support for the growth of Climate Smart Agriculture to improve yields, build resilience among farming communities against climate change, as well as reducing the emission of GHG. In addition to SRI, LINKS is also working with 30,000 farmers in Jigawa state to pilot a regenerative farming project that will generate additional revenue from the sale of carbon credits; and the LINKS also works to encourage investment into its focal states, including working with businesses to help them develop plans to access finance for growth and development. Clients range from small holder farmers to high tech start-ups and large corporates.
UK Boosts Efficiency Rice Production in Nigeria
Military
TROOPS FOIL TERRORISTS’ ATTACK IN BORNO

TROOPS FOIL TERRORISTS’ ATTACK IN BORNO
By: Michael Mike
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade on 17 Oct 2025 successfully foiled an attack planned by Boko Haram terrorists around Kashimri general area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
The troops had successfully located and destroyed identified Boko Haram camps in the area, thereby frustrating the terrorists’ plans to attack civilians and disrupt socio-economic activities in the area. During the operation, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun fight and neutralized several, while others suffered injuries.
However, the encounter took its toll on our side, as the Commanding Officer, 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other valiant soldiers paid the supreme price, as they fell in battle. These brave heroes fought for the peace of our great nation, and their legacies shall endure forever.
The Nigerian Army will continue to honor the weight of their sacrifices as their loss comes with the reminder of our unyielding resolve to stamp out the scourge of terrorism from our great nation, Nigeria.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, hereby extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed. They were not just soldiers but fathers, brothers, and sons who expressed immeasurable courage by taking the last stand in the face of adversity, and we stand together in this time of grief.
The Chief of Army Staff also reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to pursue all terrorist elements relentlessly until total peace and normalcy are restored in the region and the nation by extension.
In the spirit of respect and compassion, members of the public and the media are kindly advised to refrain from sharing or publishing images of personnel who have paid the supreme price during operations generally until their next of kin may have been duly informed. This is to preserve the dignity of such fallen heroes and protecting the privacy of their families.
APPOLONIA ANELE
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
20 October 2025
TROOPS FOIL TERRORISTS’ ATTACK IN BORNO
Military
Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger

Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has neutralised several bandits in a coordinated air interdiction operation conducted along the Mariga axis of Niger State, following credible intelligence and surveillance reports of armed groups on the move with stolen cattle.
The precision airstrikes, carried out under the ongoing intensive counter-banditry campaign, targeted bandits’ movements around Yabawa, Bazana, Awallah, Dankolo, Kumbashi, and extending towards Kakihum, within Mariga Local Government Area.
According to verified local accounts, the operation struck a large convoy of armed bandits who were attempting to move with a herd of stolen cattle from Ragada and neighbouring villages. The air interdiction neutralised several of the criminals, while others fled in disarray into the surrounding forests.
A resident of Ragada, who narrowly escaped from the bandits during the strike, narrated his ordeal. “When the jet began bombing, God saved me; that was how I escaped from their hands,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Nigerian Air Force for the timely intervention.
Multiple eyewitnesses confirmed hearing several explosions followed by thick plumes of smoke and sporadic gunfire, as surviving bandits scattered in confusion. They described the operation as swift, precise, and highly coordinated.
Ground troops of the Nigerian Army, stationed in Rijau, Warari and Gulbin Boka, were reported to have provided complementary support by blocking possible escape routes and securing nearby communities hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Residents of the affected communities hailed the success of the operation, describing it as the “most decisive response” to recent attacks by bandit elements in the area.
One of the local leaders, Mallam Musa Ali from Kumbashi, commended the military for its professionalism and courage. “We have not slept in peace for months, but this operation has brought us hope. The Air Force and soldiers have shown that the government is serious about ending banditry,” he said.
Further intelligence from reliable sources revealed that another armed group, moving with stolen cattle from Magama Local Government, was sighted advancing towards the Kakihum–Kumbashi axis, suggesting that additional operations may be imminent.
The operation was part of ongoing coordinated air and ground efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks across the North Central region.
Local sources disclosed that at least seven separate bandit groups have been operating within the Mariga, Rijau and Magama corridor in recent weeks. However, with the latest air interdictions, several of their movements and attack plans have been effectively disrupted.
Residents across Yabawa, Awallah, and Dankolo expressed optimism that the sustained operations would lead to the restoration of peace and the return of displaced persons to their homes.
Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger
Military
Troops repel bandits in Taraba, recover arms and uniforms

Troops repel bandits in Taraba, recover arms and uniforms
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigerian Army troops have repelled an attack by armed bandits and recovered weapons and other items during a clearance operation in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the operation, codenamed Operation Lafiyan Nakowa, was conducted on Tuesday morning following credible intelligence on the hideouts of the criminals around Badekoshi, Fajul, Kurmi, and Dampar villages.

The troops made contact with the bandits at Badekoshi, forcing them to retreat towards Fajul. They were pursued into the nearby forest, where the soldiers overpowered them with superior firepower.

During the exploitation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, a round of 7.62mm special ammunition, five blank cartridges, two fragmental jackets, two camouflage uniforms, and one Jincheng motorcycle suspected to have been stolen during a previous attack in Tapga.

The troops have since returned safely to their base in Dampar.
The general security situation within the area of operation was said to be calm but unpredictable, while troop morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops repel bandits in Taraba, recover arms and uniforms
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