By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria –June 19, 2026 (Series News Online) -The Kebbi State Government has activated its emergency response plan following a fresh infestation of migratory quelea birds, Quelea quelea, that is threatening dry season rice production across several local government areas.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Shehu Muazu who addressed journalists on Thursday, June 19, 2026, at the Ministry of Agriculture Conference Hall in Birnin Kebbi, said the birds have invaded fadama areas in Argungu, Gwandu, Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Bunza, and Augie LGAs within the last 72 hours.
“I have called you here to update the public on the state government’s response to the recent quelea bird, Quelea quelea infestation affecting farmlands across several LGAs,” the Commissioner said.
The Commissioner disclosed that the birds move in massive flocks and can destroy an entire hectare of grain in hours.
“Migratory quelea birds have invaded fadama areas in Argungu, Gwandu, Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Bunza, and Augie LGAs within the last 72 hours. These birds move in massive flocks and can destroy an entire hectare of grain in hours,” he said.
“Our field assessment shows that our dry season rice production is currently under threat, with significant damage already recorded in early-planted fields. We understand the anxiety this is causing our farmers, but we plead for your understanding that the government will live up to its responsibility to protect livelihoods and food security,” he added.
The Commissioner said Governor Nasir Idris immediately directed the Ministry to activate the emergency response plan. He listed surveillance, chemical control, and technical support as key measures already deployed.
“Immediately the reports came in, His Excellency the Governor directed the Ministry to activate our emergency response plan. Here’s what we have done so far,” the Commissioner stated.
He said agricultural extension agents and crop protection officers have been deployed to map infested zones and monitor bird movement daily.
“We have deployed agricultural extension agents and crop protection officers to map infested zones and monitor bird movement daily. We have established a reporting hotline: 08036134303, 08066448232 for farmers to report new sightings in real time,” he said.
On chemical control, he confirmed that Fenthion 5EC has been secured and ground operations have commenced.
“We have secured Fenthion 5EC and commenced ground control operations, which have been quite successful. We have engaged a competent and experienced aerial surveillance and pest control company for aerial operations. This will commence once the necessary permits are secured from the relevant security and aviation regulators, targeting high-density, inaccessible roosting sites,” he explained.
He added that the Ministry’s crop protection team is conducting daily field demonstrations while early warning messages are being aired on radio.
“Our crop protection team is conducting daily field demonstrations on safe and effective control methods. We have activated our early warning system through radio jingles in Hausa, English, and local dialects across eight radio stations,” he said.
The Commissioner urged farmers to avoid consuming birds killed during spraying and to report roosting sites at night for accuracy.
“Do not harvest or consume birds killed during spraying operations. The avicide is toxic to humans and livestock. Report roosting sites at night, not during the day when birds are feeding. This improves the accuracy of our control operations. Avoid unapproved chemicals. Using the wrong chemicals endangers your health and the environment,” he warned.
He said a second phase of aerial spraying will begin once security and aviation permits are secured, and the state is coordinating with neighbours because the birds do not respect boundaries.
“A second phase of aerial spraying is scheduled as soon as the relevant permits are secured from security agencies and aviation regulators. We are working with neighbouring states to coordinate cross-border control, as quelea birds do not respect LGA boundaries,” he said.
The Commissioner commended traditional rulers and farmers for their vigilance and assured them of government’s commitment to protect farms and food security.
“I commend our traditional rulers and farmers for their vigilance and cooperation. The state government remains committed to protecting your farms and ensuring food security. We will not allow quelea birds to undermine the gains we have made in agriculture this season. Thank you,” he concluded.
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Quelea Births