Northern Pulse: Quelea Bird Invasion Threatens Kebbi Rice Production, Government Launches Emergency Response

By Hauwa Muhammad

Thousands of migratory quelea birds have descended on major rice-producing communities in Kebbi State, destroying crops worth millions of naira and raising concerns over food security and farmers' livelihoods.

The birds, often described as the world's most destructive agricultural pests, invaded rice farmlands across five local government areas of the state within the last 72 hours.

The affected areas include Argungu, Birnin Kebbi, Gwandu, Kalgo and Bunza, where farmers reported extensive damage to rice fields covering hundreds of hectares.

Addressing journalists during an emergency briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Shehu Mu'azu, said the government immediately activated measures to contain the invasion following reports from affected communities.

According to him, Governor Nasir Idris directed the Ministry of Agriculture to take swift and decisive action to prevent further destruction of farmlands and safeguard the state's agricultural investments.

Mu'azu explained that quelea birds travel in massive flocks and are capable of devastating large expanses of farmland within a short period.

He noted that their intelligence and migratory nature make them particularly difficult to control once they establish feeding grounds.

Kebbi State, widely regarded as one of Nigeria's leading rice-producing states, has invested heavily in agricultural development over the years.

The latest invasion comes at a critical stage of crop development and could significantly affect yields if not effectively controlled.

The commissioner said government intervention teams have already commenced chemical spraying operations in affected areas, resulting in the destruction of thousands of the birds.

He added that efforts are underway to secure approval from federal aviation and security authorities for aerial spraying, a strategy considered more effective in tackling large concentrations of the pests.

While sympathising with farmers who have suffered losses, Mu'azu assured them that the state government would assess the extent of the damage and explore measures to cushion the impact on affected households.

Agricultural experts warn that quelea birds pose a major threat to cereal crops, particularly rice, millet and sorghum.

A single flock can contain millions of birds and consume several tonnes of grain daily, making early intervention critical.

The state government has also issued a public health warning, urging residents not to consume dead birds found in farms or surrounding communities. Officials said the chemicals being used in the control operations are highly toxic and could pose serious health risks if ingested.

Community leaders in the affected areas have appealed for sustained government support, stressing that many farmers depend entirely on the current farming season for their income. They also called for long-term surveillance and preventive measures to reduce the recurrence of such invasions.

The latest development highlights the growing challenge posed by migratory pests to agricultural production and underscores the need for coordinated action between state authorities, federal agencies and local farming communities to protect food production and rural livelihoods.