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FG Deploys Police Veterinarians to Boost Livestock Security and Disease Control

1 month ago
Usman Ishaq Shehu
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The Federal Government has mobilized veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals within the Nigerian Police Force to strengthen livestock security and enhance disease control across the country.

This initiative was announced during a two-day capacity-building workshop organized by the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in Abuja. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, emphasized the strategic role of police veterinary personnel in disease surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and early intervention in farmer-herder conflicts.

According to the Minister, the Nigerian Police Force currently has over 80 veterinarians and 70 veterinary paraprofessionals deployed nationwide, positioning them as a vital network for safeguarding the country’s livestock sector. He urged them to leverage their nationwide reach to monitor animal health, support vaccination drives, and mediate disputes between farmers and herders — efforts that contribute to national food security.

The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, highlighted ongoing initiatives to combat major animal diseases such as Rabies, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). He commended the Ministry for integrating police veterinary personnel into these programs, noting that their involvement would help ensure rapid response to disease outbreaks and strengthen the country’s livestock resilience.

Representatives from the Nigerian Police and L-PRES praised the move as a forward-thinking step that will deepen inter-agency collaboration and protect critical livestock infrastructure. The policy, which aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to enhance livestock productivity, promote food security, and foster peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

By empowering veterinary professionals as key agents in both disease control and conflict resolution, the initiative seeks to build a safer, more productive, and sustainable livestock sector across Nigeria.