In line with the mandate given to the Agro Rangers Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which is to boost food security by providing protection to farmers against malicious destruction of their farmlands, as well as addressing farmer-herder clashes, the NSCDC Commandant in Kwara State, Dr. Umar J.G. Muhammed has reiterated the Corps’ commitment to ensuring the safety of farmers and boosting food security in the state.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, 7th November 2024, at the State Command Headquarters in Ilorin, Commandant Umar disclosed that the Agro Rangers Unit has resolved one hundred and ninety-six (196) cases of farmer-herder conflicts over the past one year
He stated that the Agro Rangers personnel have been trained and certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, allowing them to effectively mediate conflicts between itinerant herders and sedentary farmers across all 16 local government areas. These efforts have significantly reduced farmer-herder and other communal clashes in the state.
Additionally, Commandant Umar emphasized that the Agro Rangers have been providing security to state-owned, corporate, and individual farmers, as well as protecting farmlands across the state. He cited the strategic deployment of NSCDC personnel at Shonga Farm in Edu Local Government Area as a key example of their commitment. Additionally, peasant farmers and agro-allied industries in the state are supported through continuous surveillance and routine patrols of agrarian communities.
Commandant Umar reaffirmed the Corps’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the agricultural sector, ensuring the protection of both farmers and their investments, and promoting sustainable growth within the state.