The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced plans to deploy no fewer than 11,000 Agro-Rangers across the country to strengthen the protection of farmers ahead of the 2026 farming season.

The move follows a series of deadly attacks on farmers recorded in several parts of the country in 2025.

The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, said the corps plays a key role in safeguarding farmers and agro-allied investments. He added that the agency also works closely with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to protect agricultural assets and mediate disputes.

Afolabi revealed that the Commandant-General of the corps, Abubakar Audi, had reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to deploy specially trained personnel to vulnerable farming communities.

“The security of farmers remains our top priority. This has led to the training and retraining of over 11,000 Special Agro-Rangers operatives across the federation,” he said.

He urged members of the public to provide credible information that would support security operations, noting that intelligence gathering in affected areas is critical to preventing attacks.

“The corps is committed to strengthening food security in the country. During the last retraining programme for Agro-Rangers in Plateau State, the Commandant-General reaffirmed the NSCDC’s readiness to deploy these specially trained officers to areas where they are most needed to ensure the safety of farmers and address food insecurity,” Afolabi added.

His remarks come amid growing concerns over repeated attacks on farmers during the 2025 farming and harvest seasons.

On January 12 and 13, 2025, at least 40 farmers were reportedly killed by fighters linked to ISWAP and Boko Haram in Dumba near Lake Chad while working on their farms.

On October 1, 2025, bandits abducted three farmers at Bethel Farm in Ejiba, Kogi State.

In November, the attacks escalated in several states. On November 2, a farmer was killed in Kubon village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Between November 3 and 4, no fewer than 10 farmers, including a pastor, were killed while working on their farms in Ohimini, Benue State.

On November 20, four rice farmers were abducted while harvesting in Bokungi, Kwara State. Three days later, 13 female farmers aged between 15 and 20 were kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

On November 26, at least 10 farmers were abducted while harvesting rice in Shiroro, Niger State.

In early December, 20 onion farmers were kidnapped in Konduga, Borno State, just days after eight others were abducted in the same area.

The recurring attacks have heightened concerns over food production and rural safety, with stakeholders warning that persistent insecurity could worsen food shortages and drive up inflation in the country.