NSCDC Launches Agro Rangers Base in Gombe to Secure Agricultural Assets

In a significant move to bolster agricultural security, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has officially inaugurated a new Agro Rangers base in Gombe State. This strategic facility, situated within the Kanawa Forest Reserve in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, is poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding the state's vital agricultural assets and mitigating the persistent challenges posed by herder-farmer conflicts.

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The establishment of this base is a strategic response to emerging security challenges around agro-allied investments.

The establishment of the Agro Rangers Unit itself is a testament to the nation's commitment to bridging security gaps within the agricultural sector. Their mandate is comprehensive, encompassing the protection of farmlands, ranches, silos, and forest reserves, while also actively mediating disputes to foster food security and national stability. The new base in Gombe, equipped with modern amenities including furnished residential accommodation, a solar power system, and a borehole, represents a tangible investment in these critical objectives.

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In line with the directive of our Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Agro Rangers will ensure zero encroachment, zero illegal logging, and zero farmer-herder clashes within this corridor.

This initiative is a collaborative effort, with the Gombe State Government providing the infrastructure and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL) Project offering crucial support. The state Commandant of the NSCDC, Jibrin Idris, emphasized that the base is a direct response to emerging security threats, aligning with the directive of the Commandant General to ensure zero encroachment, illegal logging, and farmer-herder clashes within the region.

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We are here to protect lives, livelihoods and the green economy of Gombe State.

Commandant Idris further highlighted the base's role as a forward operating center, promising round-the-clock security for the Kwadon community and the Kanawa Forest Biosphere and Botanical Garden. He underscored the NSCDC's commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods, and the green economy of Gombe State. The inauguration also saw the handover of two operational motorcycles from ACRESAL, enhancing the Rangers' capacity for rapid response and patrol. The call for community cooperation and the utilization of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms underscores a holistic approach to ensuring peace and stability in Gombe's agrarian landscape.

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We call on communities to cooperate with Agro Rangers personnel and take advantage of the Corps’ Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of agrarian conflicts.