Military Operations Revive Farming, Healthcare and Education Across Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Beyond battlefield victories against terrorists and kidnappers, the Nigerian Army says its operations in Katsina State are increasingly restoring normal life to communities through healthcare interventions, school protection and support for farming activities.
Commander of the 17 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. M.I. Ibrahim, disclosed this while briefing Defense Correspondents during an operational tour of the brigade headquarters in Katsina on Tuesday.
According to him, military operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA combine kinetic and non-kinetic approaches designed to win public confidence while denying terrorists community support.
“The fight against insecurity is not only about eliminating terrorists. It is equally about restoring normalcy to communities, supporting livelihoods and rebuilding confidence among the people,” Ibrahim said.
He explained that the brigade has maintained farm protection patrols, enabling thousands of farmers to cultivate their lands safely during the current farming season.
“Our sustained patrols have given farmers the confidence to return to their farms. This will translate into improved food production and enhanced food security for Katsina State,” he added.
The commander noted that troops also conducted Main Supply Route (MSR) protection operations, ensuring the safety of motorists and preventing terrorists from blocking highways or abducting commuters.
According to him, security has equally been strengthened around schools, particularly during the recently concluded WAEC and NECO examinations.
He said troops provided round-the-clock protection for schools across vulnerable communities, resulting in increased school enrolment and uninterrupted academic activities.
In furtherance of the Army’s civil-military cooperation programme, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim disclosed that the brigade recently renovated and fully equipped the Natsinta Community Healthcare Centre in Jibia Local Government Area during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
The brigade also organised free medical outreaches for residents, distributed fertilisers to local farmers and provided specialised medical treatment, including an appendectomy for a civilian patient.
According to the commander, the Brigade Medical Centre at Natsinta continues to provide primary healthcare services to soldiers and surrounding communities and remains accredited under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
He disclosed that between January and June 2026, wounded soldiers received treatment at the medical centre, while 13 severely injured personnel were referred to the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, for specialised care.
Ibrahim stressed that humanitarian initiatives have strengthened trust between troops and local communities, resulting in improved intelligence sharing that has contributed to operational successes.
“The cooperation of communities has become one of our greatest strengths. Intelligence supplied by residents has helped us identify terrorist enclaves, rescue kidnapped victims and recover rustled livestock,” he said.
He reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to expanding civil-military projects, including medical outreach programmes, school protection initiatives and agricultural support to sustain peace across Katsina State.
