The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced plans to set up six new Agro Rangers bases in Oyo State to mitigate farmer-herder clashes.
State Commandant Augustine Padonu disclosed the decision while reviewing the activities and operational effectiveness of the Agro Rangers Unit in the state. The expansion is intended to increase the presence of security personnel in rural farming communities where tensions between crop farmers and pastoralists often escalate into violence.
The initiative follows a period of heightened security concerns in several local government areas of Oyo State, where disputes over grazing land and crop destruction have disrupted agricultural activities. By establishing these additional bases, the NSCDC aims to provide a more rapid response to reported incidents and facilitate better mediation between the two groups.
The move to expand the unit comes as part of strategic efforts to curb farmer-herder clashes in Oyo State and protect the livelihoods of rural dwellers. The Agro Rangers were specifically created to serve as a specialised security arm for the agricultural sector, focusing on protecting farms, livestock, and the personnel involved in food production.
Strengthening rural security and food production
The presence of the Agro Rangers in Oyo State is critical to the state’s economy, as the region serves as a major contributor to Nigeria’s food supply. Frequent clashes between herders and farmers not only cause loss of lives but also lead to the abandonment of farmlands, which directly threatens local food security.
Commandant Padonu noted that the review of the unit’s activities was necessary to identify gaps in the current deployment. The new bases are expected to be positioned in high-risk zones to ensure that security coverage is not limited to major highways but extends into the hinterlands where most agricultural activities occur.
The NSCDC has previously worked with community leaders to establish early warning systems, but the physical presence of more bases is seen as a more sustainable way to deter violent encounters. The corps intends to use these new locations to conduct regular patrols and monitor grazing routes to prevent unauthorised encroachment on farmlands.
While the plan has been announced, the specific locations for the six new bases are yet to be officially released. The implementation of this expansion will depend on the availability of resources and the coordination of security logistics within the state.
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