The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has expressed its commitment to reviewing its security strategy following the death of at least 65 farmers this year due to attacks by bandits.
The spokesperson for the NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale, disclosed this to our correspondent on Wednesday.
Despite the deployment of 10,000 agro rangers, these assaults have continued to disrupt farming activities across the nation.
Earlier this year, several incidents raised alarm over the security of farmers. In January, armed groups killed 40 farmers in Borno State.
In March, another attack in Ondo State claimed the lives of 20 farmers in four communities in Ala Elefosan. That same month, five more farmers were killed by suspected herdsmen in the Aba Oyinbo community in Akure North Local Government Area.
In April, notorious bandit leader Kachalla Bello Turji was responsible for the deaths of 11 farmers in Sokoto State.
Babawale explained that the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, is conducting a thorough review of its specialised units, particularly the agro rangers, in response to the escalating security challenges.
According to the spokesperson, the review aims to enhance the effectiveness of security operations to protect farmers, focusing on improving coordination with other security agencies, local communities, and vigilantes.
Babawale further stated that the CG had emphasised the importance of specialised training for NSCDC personnel to better address the emerging threats.
He assured the public that the corps was fully committed to finding solutions to the security issues affecting farmers and improving collaboration with other security forces.
“In the implementation of strategic innovations, more emphasis would be on realistic and focused training for the officers and men after a thorough review of the established modus operandi in line with corps Standard Operating Procedures,” Audi assured through the spokesperson.
The Federal Government has also taken steps to address the issue. On March 20, Interior Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced plans to recruit more agro rangers to bolster security for farmers.
He reassured the public that the administration, under President Bola Tinubu, continues to prioritise the protection of lives and property, with further efforts planned to bolster security for agricultural communities across Nigeria.
