By Hammed Ibrahim, Jalingo

The State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Taraba State Command, Anthony Bala Bitrus, has identified militia activities and intense competition over natural resources as key drivers of insecurity in Taraba State and across Africa.

He made this assertion while delivering a strategic briefing at the Executive Intelligence Management Course 19 of the National Institute for Security Studies, held at the Exco Chamber of TY Danjuma House in Jalingo on Monday.

The event, organised in collaboration with the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, brought together senior security stakeholders, government officials, and course participants to examine the theme, “Militias and Resource Competition in Africa: Implications for National Security.”

Representing the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, the Head of Civil Service, Ahmed Kara, commended security agencies for their coordinated efforts in addressing emerging threats. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance peace and security.

In his presentation, Commandant Bitrus observed that Taraba State’s vast agricultural potential and mineral resources, although economically beneficial, have heightened competition among farmers, herders, and illegal mining operators. He noted that these pressures have fuelled recurring conflicts, community displacement, and the proliferation of militia groups.

He warned that resource driven conflicts, if not effectively managed, could undermine national security by weakening state authority, disrupting food production, and creating opportunities for criminal networks to expand.

The Commandant further outlined the NSCDC’s strategic interventions in addressing these challenges, particularly through specialised units such as the Agro Rangers and Mining Marshals. He explained that the Agro Rangers unit plays a critical role in protecting farmlands, mediating farmer herder disputes, and preventing cattle rustling, while the Mining Marshals have intensified operations against illegal mining activities.

He added that the Corps has strengthened intelligence gathering, community engagement, and inter agency collaboration with the military and the police to curb insecurity linked to resource competition.

Other dignitaries present at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, G. T. Kataps, the Brigade Commander of the 6 Brigade, the Commissioner of Police, and heads of other security agencies in the state.

Participants commended the NSCDC for its proactive role in safeguarding critical national assets and promoting peaceful coexistence among communities.

The briefing formed part of activities under the ongoing Executive Intelligence Management Course 19, designed to equip senior security officers with strategic insights into contemporary security challenges.

The event concluded with a call for enhanced inter agency cooperation, community based conflict resolution mechanisms, and sustainable resource management policies to address the root causes of insecurity in Taraba State and beyond.