Farmer-herder conflict alerts rise in Nigeria's Katsina, Zamfara

Nigeria's North-West region is experiencing persistent farmer-herder tensions, with a recent report detailing 27 conflict and livestock movement alerts in June 2026 alone. These incidents occurred across seven frontline local government areas in Katsina and Zamfara states, highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.

The data comes from the International Organisation for Migration’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) via its Transhumance Tracking Tool Dashboard. This early warning system relies on real-time reports from community informants, including members of Community Peace Committees and local government teams. The tool is designed to track herder movements and support peaceful coexistence between farming and herding communities.

Of the 27 alerts logged, 21 were classified as "event alerts" and six as "movement alerts." The majority of events, 71 percent, were agro-pastoral conflicts, while 24 percent involved intra-community tensions. Gusau Local Government in Zamfara recorded the highest number of alerts, accounting for 26 percent of the total.

The report identified the primary drivers of these conflicts. Farm or crop destruction and the timing of herd movements, whether early or late, each accounted for 40 percent of the cases. Farmland encroachment and damage to surrounding fields also contributed significantly. The report also noted that all six livestock movement alerts involved animals arriving late, with a combined total of 957 cattle crossing state lines and into neighboring Niger Republic. Key informants indicated a high likelihood of these movements escalating into agro-pastoral conflicts and inter-community tensions.