In a bold move to reinforce agricultural security and ensure uninterrupted food production, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has urged farmers in Plateau State to deepen their collaboration with the Corps’ Agro Rangers unit.

Commandant of the NSCDC in Plateau State, Ishaku Musa, made the appeal during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with farmers, traditional rulers, community leaders, and local government agricultural officers held at the NSCDC State Headquarters in Jos.

The Commandant emphasized that a sustainable relationship between farming communities and Agro Rangers is vital for maintaining peace, deterring criminal elements, and guaranteeing unhindered access to farmlands especially in areas historically affected by communal clashes, banditry, and farmer-herder tensions.

The Agro Rangers unit, established under the NSCDC by the Federal Government, is a special intervention squad trained in conflict resolution, rural protection, and rapid response to threats targeting agricultural assets. Commandant Musa noted that their presence across key farming zones in Plateau has become a stabilizing force.

“Agro Rangers are not just armed operatives; they are your frontline allies in the fight to secure our farmlands and food systems,” he said. “The collaboration between security and agriculture is no longer optional; it is essential. That is why we are calling on all farming communities to work closely with our Agro Rangers by sharing information, reporting threats, and engaging regularly with our officers.”

Musa praised the foresight of the NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for his commitment to agricultural security and for empowering the Agro Rangers across the nation with modern tools, training, and logistics to fulfill their mandate.

Commandant Musa linked the role of the Agro Rangers to Nigeria’s broader food security agenda, stressing that protecting farmers is not only a local concern but a national priority.

“Without secure access to farmland, there can be no meaningful food production. And without food security, national security becomes fragile. That is why the NSCDC under Professor Audi has elevated the Agro Rangers to a strategic national asset,” he explained.

He added that Plateau State, being a food hub of the Middle Belt with vast arable land and favorable climate, cannot afford disruptions in farming activities due to security challenges.

Several farmers and community stakeholders in attendance shared their experiences and praised the Corps for the proactive deployment of Agro Rangers.

Mr. Pam Dung, a rice farmer from Bassa Local Government Area, said the presence of Agro Rangers in his area has deterred intrusions from armed herders. “Before now, we used to abandon our farms whenever tension rose. But now, with Agro Rangers patrolling regularly, we feel safe. I even sleep on the farm during harvest time,” he said.

Hajiya Asabe Lawal, a groundnut and vegetable farmer from Wase, commended the Rangers for their human approach to security. “They don’t just come with guns; they talk with us, they understand the community dynamics. That relationship has helped to prevent violence,” she noted.

A youth leader from Barkin Ladi, Mr. Timothy Gyang, called for more deployment of Agro Rangers to flashpoints in the state. “Their presence has brought a sense of peace. We want to see more of them in remote villages where farmers are most vulnerable.”

While urging farmers to avoid taking the law into their hands during conflicts, Commandant Musa reminded them to always channel their grievances or alerts through the appropriate security channels.

“We are committed to your safety. But your cooperation is key. Let us keep this relationship strong so that together, we can protect lives, livelihoods, and the future of food production in Plateau State,” he concluded.