The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, has announced the deployment of 10,000 agro rangers across the country to address insecurity affecting food production.
The Special Assistant to President Tinubu on New Media, Olusegun Dada, shared the news on his official X account, stating, “As part of ongoing efforts to enhance food security in the Northern region and other parts of the country, the FG through the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps has deployed over 10,000 Agro Rangers across 19 states and the FCT.”
The agro rangers are part of a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the NSCDC.
Their duties will include protecting farmlands, mediating conflicts between farmers and herders, and preventing damage to agricultural lands.
The statement explained, “The Agro Rangers will, among other things, safeguard farmlands and protect farmers from escalating attacks. They will also mediate conflicts between farmers and herders and prevent malicious destruction of farmlands. While the food inflation crisis in the country is due to many factors, insecurity has been a long-term challenge, and this collaboration is expected to address a major issue faced by farmers.”
The deployment of agro rangers is part of the Federal Government’s plan announced in February by the National Economic Council. It is a short-term measure to improve security in agriculture until a long-term solution, such as the creation of state police, is implemented.
Widespread insecurity, especially in the northern regions, has led many farmers to abandon their lands, causing a decrease in food production and higher food prices. As of July 2024, food inflation has reached 40.87%.
Last week, attacks in Benue State, known as the nation’s food basket, resulted in the deaths of over 20 people.
