FG plans more Agro Rangers recruitment to protect farmers, farmlands

The Federal Government has announced plans to recruit additional agro rangers to enhance security for farmers across the country.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement during the 5th edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

The move followed a series of violent attacks on farmers in various regions.

In January, government officials reported the deaths of at least 40 farmers in an attack by armed groups in Borno State.

Additionally, in Ondo State, five farmers were killed by suspected herdsmen in the Aba Oyinbo community in the Akure North Local Government Area, an incident that occurred early on Wednesday morning.

In response to the growing threats, Tunji-Ojo highlighted ongoing efforts to improve internal security in the country.

He pointed out that in the past year, 10,000 officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were trained as agro rangers to protect farmlands.

The government also recently received approval from the president to recruit an additional 10,000 NSCDC officers to strengthen the initiative.

While acknowledging existing security challenges, the expressed confidence in the country’s progress and the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of 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.

The minister stated, “The simple truth is that we are making serious progress as a country in terms of internal security solutions. In the last one year, we have trained 10,000 NSCDC officials to protect our farmlands as Agro rangers. Towards the end of last year, the president gave us the approval to recruit 10,000 NSCDC new officers to boost the capacity that we have.

“I have to acknowledge that there are still some challenges. But the issue is, are we putting in the right effort? The answer is yes. Are we where we think we should be? The answer is no. But we are on the right path. We are making progress.

“I want to assure you that when it comes to the issue of security, we have done a lot under this administration. More will still be done because we have a president that understands that his first responsibility is protection of lives and properties.

“It is the reason why 10,000 officers were trained and we are going to recruit more to provide security for our farmlands.”