Minister Mukhtar Urges 'Police Veterinarians' to Lead Disease Surveillance Nationwide

News in brief:

-Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha urges Police veterinary officers to use their nationwide presence to strengthen disease surveillance and reduce farmer–herder conflicts.

-L-PRES hosts a two-day capacity-building workshop to boost police veterinarians' contribution to national livestock security.

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has called on Veterinarians and Veterinary Paraprofessionals serving in the Nigerian Police Force to leverage their national spread to enhance livestock disease control and prevent conflicts within farming communities.

He delivered the charge on Friday, 7th November 2025, while declaring open a two-day capacity-building workshop organised in Abuja by the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).

Police Veterinary Workforce Positioned for National Impact

Mukhtar expressed delight at the size of the veterinary workforce in the Police Force, emphasising that their presence across every state makes them an essential asset in national livestock development.

“With more than 80 veterinarians and over 70 veterinary paraprofessionals within the Nigerian Police Force, you represent one of the most strategically positioned teams in the country,” he said.

He urged them to intensify disease surveillance, support vaccination campaigns, collaborate with farmers and herders, and intervene early when signs of conflict emerge.

Strengthening Vaccination and Disease Control Campaigns

The Minister directed the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON) to integrate police veterinary personnel into ongoing nationwide campaigns against transboundary animal diseases. These include rabies, PPR, FMD, and other priority livestock diseases.

Representing the Inspector General of Police, AIG Aishatu Baju Abubakar, mni, praised the Minister’s leadership and highlighted the value L-PRES brings to strengthening veterinary capacity within the Force.

The Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Samuel Anzaku, also detailed ongoing national disease control efforts and commended the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening animal health systems.

L-PRES Encourages Stronger Collaboration

Delivering the welcome remarks on behalf of the National Project Coordinator, Dr Mustapha Mohammad, urged participants to deepen collaboration and safeguard L-PRES infrastructure across the country. He underscored that strengthened partnerships remain essential for sustaining productivity and resilience in the livestock sector.