Report Records 27 Farmer-Herder Conflict Alerts in Katsina, Zamfara

A new early warning report has revealed that at least 27 farmer-herder conflict and livestock movement alerts were recorded across frontline communities in Katsina and Zamfara states in June 2026, highlighting growing tensions that could escalate into violent clashes if left unaddressed. The findings were contained in the latest Transhumance Tracking Tool (TTT) Dashboard, developed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through its Displacement Tracking Matrix.

According to the report, the 27 alerts comprised 21 conflict-related incidents and six livestock movement alerts monitored across seven local government areas. The affected areas include Batsari, Dan Musa, Jibia, Faskari and Safana in Katsina State, as well as Bungudu and Gusau in Zamfara State. The dashboard noted that each case of delayed or unmanaged herd movement carries the potential to develop into a full-scale confrontation between farmers and herders.

The monitoring system relies on real-time reports submitted by Community Peace Committees and local government-based monitoring teams, who identify either active conflict events or livestock movements capable of triggering disputes. The information is intended to provide security agencies, local authorities and humanitarian organisations with timely warnings to enable preventive interventions before violence erupts.

The report also identified several factors contributing to rising tensions, including competition over grazing routes, farmland and water resources, as well as delayed seasonal livestock migration. It recommended closer collaboration among local communities, traditional leaders and government agencies to improve conflict resolution mechanisms and strengthen early response systems.

Farmer-herder conflicts remain one of the major security and humanitarian challenges in parts of northern Nigeria, often resulting in deaths, displacement and destruction of livelihoods. The IOM said continued monitoring through the Transhumance Tracking Tool is aimed at supporting peaceful coexistence and reducing the risk of violence in vulnerable communities.