The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has revealed that each state in the federation now boasts over 30 trained Agro Rangers Special Forces to safeguard agricultural investments and mediate conflicts between farmers and herders.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to increase their numbers as necessary to meet emerging challenges. The specialised force, equipped to handle challenges such as crop damage, night grazing, and attacks, operates under close supervision from the NSCDC national headquarters in Abuja. Recent news reports revealed a grim reality as 165 farmers lost their lives to bandit attacks, disrupting farm activities across the nation.
Benue State has borne the brunt of the violence, with 130 fatalities recorded this year alone. It was also reported in June that farmers predicted tougher days ahead for Nigerians concerning the ongoing food inflation crisis in the country.
This was as the farmers blamed insecurity, which has continued to hinder farming as some of the reasons for the food crisis.
In Borno State, farmers cannot go to farms except when escorted by the military. The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, on Wednesday, emphasised the agency’s commitment to providing security for agriculture investment, amid food inflation in the country.
Afolabi said, “Statistically, we can say that each state of the federation has over 30 trained Agro Rangers Special Forces, while training is still ongoing to increase the number as the need arises.”
He added that every state has a well-trained agro rangers squad, with deployments made based on specific needs. Afolabi noted the varying nature of crimes across different states, with some states facing significant agro-related challenges, others grappling with illegal mining, and some dealing with illicit petroleum products.
“Each state of the federation has a well-trained agro rangers squad. Whenever we train we also deploy according to necessity.” He said some of the areas of interest include neutralising those who engage in illegal mining and the camp of those involved in illegal dealings in petroleum products.
Furthermore, the NSCDC has forged partnerships with international organisations to bolster efforts in safeguarding the agro-allied sector. Afolabi stated, “The collaboration with international organisations, facilitated by the Federal Government, underscores our collective resolve to combat all forms of threats facing the agro-allied sector.” The NSCDC spokesperson assured the public of the corps’ commitment to its mandate of ensuring food security and protecting farmers.
He said, “The NSCDC is fully committed to carrying out its statutory mandate by addressing critical issues of concern to ensure food security and safety of the farmers. We are always on alert to respond to distress calls and forestall emerging threats to the agricultural sector.”
