The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has inaugurated its agro-rangers unit in Nasarawa state. This is in line with the Corps’ drive to protect agro-allied investments and mitigate the farmers/herders clashes across the country.

During the inauguration in Lafia, State Commandant of NSCDC, Mohammed Fari disclosed that 313 officers of the command were specially trained for the purpose.

According to him, “Food security is a necessity that cannot be compromised, hence the need for us to collectively provide a conducive environment for agricultural production to thrive.”

Fari stated that apart from the agro-rangers unit, 5,513 officers of the command had been trained on firearm handling and counter-terrorism to achieve optimal performance.

He explained that a two-day symposium organized by the command, in collaboration with the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association, was aimed at maintaining the operatives’ physical and psychological health, to be able to perform their duties.

At the inauguration, Governor of the state, Abdullahi Sule who lauded the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for the initiative, noted that the idea was developed to give effect to President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to food security.

The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe urged the agro-rangers unit to live up to their responsibility of protecting agro-allied investments.

In his remarks, “It is our expectation that the officers trained for this purpose would justify the enormous resources expended in giving them the additional skills needed to make a safe haven for agro-businesses to thrive.”

He described the inauguration of the unit as apt, as the state is benefiting from the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP), which was initiated by the National Economic Council.

Speaking also, the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Sidi Bage-Muhammad said that the farmers and herders were in urgent need of protection to ensure improved productivity. He commended the NSCDC for initiating measures geared toward the protection of agro-allied investments.

Source: AgroNigeria