Pix: Commandant Padonu

By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has resolved 397 agricultural disputes involving farmers and herders between January and October 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen rural security, prevent violent conflicts and protect agricultural investments across the state. The disputes, handled by the Command’s Agro Rangers Unit, comprised 386 cases of malicious destruction of farmlands and 11 incidents of cattle poisoning.

The State Commandant, Commandant Augustine Padonu, disclosed the operational achievements while reviewing the activities of the unit during the first ten months of the year.According to the Command, the unit recorded 64 cases in January, 53 in February, 45 in March, 31 in April, 17 in May, 26 in June, 32 in July, 32 in August, 50 in September and 47 in October. The figures highlight the persistent challenges confronting agricultural communities and the critical role of the Agro Rangers in managing disputes before they escalate into violence, destruction of property or threats to lives.

The Agro Rangers currently operate from six strategic locations in Oyo State: Oriire, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Lanlate, Igboora and Oyo. Their presence is intended to provide security coverage for farming communities and facilitate timely intervention in disputes involving agricultural activities and livestock. In a move to strengthen the unit’s operational capacity, Commandant Padonu has announced plans to establish six additional bases across the state, effectively doubling its existing operational locations.

The proposed expansion is expected to improve access to security services in rural communities, enhance surveillance and patrol operations, and reduce response times to emergencies involving farmers, herders and other agricultural stakeholders.Beyond resolving disputes, the Agro Rangers have continued to organise mediation sessions, sensitisation campaigns and community engagement programmes involving farmers, herders, agricultural merchants and transporters. These initiatives are designed to promote understanding, encourage peaceful coexistence and prevent disagreements over farmland, livestock and other agricultural interests from developing into security threats. The unit has also sustained routine patrols across its operational areas while strengthening cooperation with other security agencies to protect lives, property and agricultural investments.

Commandant Padonu commended Agro Rangers personnel for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to maintaining peace in farming communities, stressing that harmonious relations between farmers and herders are vital to food security, economic stability and sustainable development. He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to strengthen agricultural security through intelligence gathering, conflict mediation, community engagement, strategic patrols and inter-agency collaboration.

The Commandant urged farmers, herders, community leaders and other stakeholders to respect established boundaries, embrace dialogue and avoid actions capable of triggering violence or disrupting agricultural activities. He also encouraged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and emerging disputes to the nearest NSCDC formation.Padonu assured residents that the Command would continue to protect rural communities, safeguard agricultural investments and support efforts to improve food security and peaceful coexistence throughout Oyo State.