Niger State Enforces Strict Permit Regulations for Pastoralists
Yahaya Zakka.
The government of Niger State has announced that any pastoralist entering the state without an official permit will be classified as a rustler.
Alhaji Umar Sanda Rebe, Commissioner of the Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, stated this during the New Niger Quarterly Media Briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and Orientation at the ICT Center in Minna on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
He explained that the regulation aims to monitor all pastoralists, especially those crossing borders with neighboring states, to improve oversight of their activities.
Since the Ministry’s establishment on August 23, 2022, the total number of pastoralists in Niger State remains unknown. However, with the political support of Governor Bago, efforts are underway to gather comprehensive data on pastoral associations, including local leadership.
According to Rebe, the government intends to determine the exact number of pastoralists, their cattle, and locations within three years, to facilitate the provision of social amenities such as potable water.
He also highlighted government initiatives supporting women and youth within pastoral communities and mentioned ongoing efforts to resolve conflicts between herders and farmers, primarily due to land disputes.
Rebe assured that Niger State has no bandit camps and noted that any bandits operating in the area originate from neighboring states. He instructed security agencies to profile all incoming pastoralists to verify their legitimacy.
Earlier, Niger State Police Commissioner Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, represented by SP Wasiu Abiodun, attributed the recent increase in pastoralist entries to security challenges in neighboring states.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of movement for all citizens and acknowledged border challenges as contributing factors.
Finally, he stated that Fulani herders are entitled to security and should seek safer communities to continue their activities.
