The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has reaffirmed that its Agro Rangers unit will continue to protect farmers against the destruction of their farmlands and address farmer-herder clashes in the state.

The state Commandant of NSCDC, Umar Muhammed, who disclosed this in a statement, reiterated the Corps’ commitment to ensuring the safety of farmers and enhancing food security in the state.

In the statement, signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC Ayoola Michael, and made available to the press on Friday, Muhammed revealed that the Agro Rangers Unit has resolved 196 cases of farmer-herder conflicts over the past year.

He stated that the Agro Rangers personnel have been trained and certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, enabling them to effectively mediate conflicts between itinerant herders and sedentary farmers across all 16 local government areas.

“These efforts have significantly reduced farmer-herder and other communal clashes in the state,” he said.

Muhammed also stressed that the Agro Rangers have been providing security to state-owned, corporate, and individual farmers while protecting farmlands across the state.

He cited the strategic deployment of NSCDC personnel at Shonga Farm in Edu Local Government Area as a key example of the Corps’ commitment.

“Additionally, peasant farmers and agro-allied industries in the state are supported through continuous surveillance and routine patrols of agrarian communities,” Muhammed added.

The Commandant reaffirmed the Corps’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the agricultural sector, protecting farmers and their investments, and promoting sustainable growth within the state.