A swarm of desert locusts has been reported in two northern Nigeria states of Zamfara and Kebbi.
Farmers in the affected states are complaining of loss of produce to the swarming locusts as their northwestern neighbour, Sokoto State, is threatened.
The insects seem to have been propped by the rain which favours their breeding.
The Chief Veterinary Officer of the Federation, Dr Maimuna Habibu, confirmed the infestation of the desert locusts in the two states but said the government is deploying officers to clear them.
In previous attacks, Nigeria is known to hire aircraft to spray insecticides to contain the pests.
South Africa’s Northern, Western and Eastern Capes witnessed heavy infestation of brown locusts in March and early April, 2022.
This attack in Nigeria is surprising as the FAO Locust Watch had a low forecast that immature desert locusts will develop and swarm the Sahel and southwards in the rainy season of 2022.
photo credit: livescience
