The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced plans to review its security strategies and conduct specialised training for its agro rangers following the killing of at least 65 farmers in various attacks by bandits this year.
This was disclosed by the NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, on Wednesday.
Despite the deployment of 10,000 agro rangers nationwide, farmer-targeted attacks have persisted, severely affecting agricultural activities.
Several incidents have raised concerns in 2024:
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In January, 40 farmers were killed in Borno State by armed groups.
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In March, 20 farmers were murdered across four communities in Ala Elefosan, Ondo State.
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Later in March, five farmers were killed by suspected herdsmen in Aba Oyinbo community, Akure North LGA.
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In April, notorious bandit Kachalla Bello Turji was linked to the killing of 11 farmers in Sokoto State.
Babawale said NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, is currently conducting a comprehensive review of the Corps’ specialised units, with a focus on the Agro Rangers, to enhance their operational capacity. The goal, he noted, is to strengthen coordination with other security agencies, local communities, and vigilantes.
He emphasised that specialised and realistic training aligned with the Corps’ Standard Operating Procedures would follow the strategy review.
“In implementing strategic innovations, there will be greater emphasis on practical and focused training for officers and men after a thorough review of our existing modus operandi,” Babawale quoted Audi.
The Federal Government has also taken steps to reinforce farmer security. On March 20, Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced plans to recruit more agro rangers to further strengthen safety in rural and farming communities.
He reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to safeguarding lives and property, especially in agricultural zones, with more initiatives underway to ensure rural security.
