The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe and uninterrupted farming season across Plateau State, as it intensifies deployment of personnel to protect farmlands and rural communities from armed attacks and disruptions. The Plateau State Commandant of the Corps, Ishaku Musa, gave the assurance in Jos while speaking with journalists on the corps’ efforts toward safeguarding agricultural activities this season.

Musa said the NSCDC, through its Agro-Rangers unit, has scaled up operations in farming communities across the state in response to rising concerns about insecurity in volatile local government areas. He noted that the Corps is working in synergy with other security agencies, local vigilante groups, and traditional rulers to restore peace and boost farmer confidence.

“We have taken decisive steps to ensure that farmers in Plateau State can go to their farms without fear or intimidation,” said Musa. “This is the planting season, and we understand how critical it is for the people to carry out their farming activities without any interruptions. The Agro-Rangers are fully deployed in strategic locations, particularly in areas previously affected by attacks.”

The Commandant explained that the Agro-Rangers, specially trained in agricultural asset protection and conflict resolution, are currently stationed in farming belts across Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and parts of Bassa and Jos South LGAs. According to him, their mission is to prevent incursions, respond rapidly to threats, and create a secure environment for sustainable agricultural development.

“We are not just deploying personnel we are also engaging the communities, holding town hall meetings, and mediating disputes that could lead to clashes,” he added. “Our goal is to de-escalate tension before it becomes violence. In the last few weeks, we have intervened in several flashpoints where tensions were building up between herders and farmers, and we were able to restore calm.”

Musa also commended the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Professor. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for supporting the Plateau Command with additional Agro-Rangers and logistics to enhance operations in the field. He revealed that more personnel were recently posted to Plateau following security challenges in parts of Mangu and Bokkos.

“The Commandant General is fully aware of the security realities in Plateau State and has responded by reinforcing our strength. We have been empowered to expand our operations and deepen our presence in farming communities,”Musa said.

He stressed that the NSCDC is not acting in isolation but is part of a larger inter-agency security arrangement that includes the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services, and local security outfits. According to him, joint patrols and intelligence-sharing have significantly improved the response to threats on farmers and their farmlands.

Musa called on community leaders, youth groups, and residents to collaborate with the Corps by providing credible information on suspicious activities. “Security is a shared responsibility. We can’t be everywhere at once, but with timely intelligence, we can prevent most of these attacks before they happen,” he said.

He also urged farmers not to be discouraged by recent incidents, assuring them that the Corps would continue to prioritize their protection throughout the season. “I want to use this medium to appeal to all farmers across Plateau State: don’t abandon your farms. We are with you. We will continue to protect you, your crops, and your families,” he emphasized.

In Plateau, where agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, the presence of Agro-Rangers has already had a positive impact. Farmers in previously volatile areas have started returning to their farmlands with renewed confidence, as patrols and surveillance activities continue to expand.

While challenges remain—such as inadequate mobility resources and surveillance tools—Commandant Ishaku Musa expressed optimism that with continued government support and community cooperation, Plateau State can overcome its security hurdles and achieve a successful farming season.

“Our mission is simple,” he concluded. “We want to make sure that this year, no farmer in Plateau is stopped from feeding his family or contributing to national food security because of fear. That is the promise of the NSCDC under my watch.”