Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps launches special task force to protect Gombe's farming investments

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Gombe State Command, launched a newly built Agro Rangers base, complete with residential facilities, at the Kanawa Forest Reserve in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area on Monday, as part of a broader effort to bolster protection for critical agricultural assets and mitigate herder–farmer conflicts.

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The NSCDC Agro Rangers Unit was created to address security gaps in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, with a mandate that encompasses safeguarding farmlands, ranches, silos, and forest reserves, as well as mediating disputes to foster food security and national stability.

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The facility, which features furnished residential accommodation, a solar power system, and a motorised borehole, was constructed by the Gombe State Government with support from the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL) Project.

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According to a press statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Gombe NSCDC Command, Buhari Saad, the project aims to enhance security in agrarian communities.

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The state Commandant of NSCDC, Jibrin Idris, hailed the project as a strategic intervention to protect agro-allied investments and boost security in the area during the inauguration ceremony.

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Idris described the establishment of the base as a strategic response to emerging security challenges surrounding agro-allied investments, and stressed that the Agro Rangers will ensure zero encroachment, zero illegal logging, and zero farmer-herder clashes within the corridor, in line with the directive of the Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

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The base will serve as a forward operating centre for Agro Rangers personnel, providing round-the-clock security for the Kwadon community and the Kanawa Forest Biosphere and Botanical Garden, according to Idris.

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Idris stated that the primary objective of the Agro Rangers is to protect lives, livelihoods, and the green economy of Gombe State.

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The commandant expressed his gratitude to Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for his support and commended the ACRESAL State Project Coordinator, Dr Sani Jauro, for his dedication to strengthening environmental and agricultural resilience in the state.

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Two operational motorcycles, donated by ACRESAL, were also inaugurated to enhance rapid response and patrol operations within the area.

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Idris urged residents of host communities to collaborate with security personnel and adopt peaceful means of resolving disputes, calling on communities to cooperate with Agro Rangers personnel and utilise the Corps’ Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of agrarian conflicts.