The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has pledged to revise its security strategy following a string of deadly attacks on farmers, which has led to the loss of at least 65 lives in 2024 alone.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the NSCDC’s spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, confirmed that a comprehensive review is underway.
Despite the deployment of 10,000 agro rangers nationwide, violent assaults by armed groups continue to destabilise farming operations and threaten food production in many parts of the country.
The year began on a grim note with the killing of 40 farmers by armed assailants in Borno State in January.
By March, 20 more farmers had been murdered during coordinated attacks in four different communities in Ala Elefosan, Ondo State. That same month, five additional farmers fell victim to suspected herdsmen in Aba Oyinbo, located in Akure North Local Government Area.
In April, notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Bello Turji was reportedly behind the killing of 11 farmers in Sokoto State, further intensifying concerns about rural security.
In reaction to these alarming trends, NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, has launched a strategic review of its special units, particularly the agro rangers, to better confront the growing security threats.
Babawale explained that the primary objective of the review is to boost operational efficiency through improved collaboration with other security forces, local vigilante groups, and host communities.
He stated that the CG has underlined the need for specialised training to equip NSCDC operatives with the skills required to counter emerging dangers more effectively.
“In the implementation of strategic innovations, more emphasis would be on realistic and focused training for the officers and men after a thorough review of the established modus operandi in line with corps Standard Operating Procedures,” Audi assured through the spokesperson.
The Federal Government has also signaled its commitment to strengthening rural security. On March 20, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, unveiled plans to recruit additional agro rangers to safeguard farming communities.
He affirmed the administration’s dedication to the welfare of citizens, noting, “the administration, under President Bola Tinubu, continues to prioritise the protection of lives and property, with further efforts planned to bolster security for agricultural communities across Nigeria.”
