The Federal Government is poised to bolster the security of farmers across Nigeria with the deployment of over 10,000 “agro rangers.”
This initiative is set to cover 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aiming to safeguard agricultural activities and enhance food security in the country.
This announcement was made by Olusegun Dada, a presidential aide, via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
Dada explained that the deployment will be executed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) as part of a broader strategy to protect farmers and their livelihoods from the persistent threat of insecurity.
“The Agro Rangers will, among other things, safeguard farmlands and protect farmers from escalating attacks, mediate conflicts between farmers and herders, and prevent malicious destruction of farmlands,” Dada stated.
In recent years, Nigerian farmers have faced numerous challenges, including attacks by armed groups, conflicts with herders, and the destruction of crops.
These issues have contributed significantly to the country’s food inflation crisis, which has been exacerbated by other factors such as poor infrastructure and economic instability.
Dada highlighted that this collaboration between the NSCDC and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to address the ongoing security challenges in the agricultural sector.
He said, “While the food inflation crisis in the country is a function of many factors, insecurity has been a long-term challenge and this collaboration between the NSCDC and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is expected to solve a major challenge faced by farmers across the country.”
The initiative is expected to not only protect farmers but also promote the cultivation of over 10 million hectares of land.
As part of this effort, the government is also preparing to take delivery of more than 5,000 sophisticated farming equipment in the initial phase.
This equipment is intended to support farmers as they expand their agricultural activities, thereby contributing to the nation’s goal of achieving greater food security.
Dada’s tweet sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with citizens expressing a range of opinions about the program’s potential effectiveness in curbing insecurity and enhancing food production.
On X (formerly Twitter), user Okakaodumodu (@ceasarokoli) voiced scepticism about the initiative, predicting that the Agro Rangers might “eventually degenerate into extorting farmers.”
This sentiment resonated with many, garnering over 6,000 likes, indicating a shared concern about the possibility of corruption within the new force.
Conversely, some users expressed optimism about the program. SALAWU || OMOIYAONIPAKO (@salawueedris1) praised the effort, describing it as “another great effort from the FG,” and wished for its success under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
This supportive stance received significant attention, with over 7,600 likes.
CBN Gov Akinsola Akin (@cbngov_akin1) also offered a positive assessment, calling the deployment “a very good initiative,” while Mhiz Fatima (@Mhiz_divaa) simply commented, “Good to hear.”
However, others sought more concrete evidence of the initiative’s impact. construction_animal (@zkjango) suggested the need for a “video montage of the rangers at work” and testimony from locals to showcase the real effects of the rangers on the ground.
The scope and training of the Agro Rangers were also called into question.
Botafogo (@KhalidSeyiKamil) raised concerns about whether the rangers have been adequately trained in conflict mediation or if they will rely solely on “force and weaponry.”
He also questioned the logistics of deploying 10,000 rangers across the vast and diverse regions of Nigeria, a concern that highlights the challenges in covering all affected areas effectively.
The branding of the initiative also came under scrutiny, with ACE (@chizzaram) humorously suggesting that “Agro ‘Avengers'” might be a more appealing name for the rangers, reflecting a desire for a stronger image for the initiative.
In regions already heavily impacted by banditry, such as RAFI Local Government Area in Niger State, scepticism remains high.
ABDULNASEER #endbanditryinRafi (@Yaqnas), who lives in the area, reported that he has yet to see any deployment of Agro Rangers, despite ongoing threats from bandits.
He recounted a recent incident where villagers had to flee their farms as bandits on motorcycles raided the area.
Some users adopted a wait-and-see approach. Tamunoemi Stephen (@PragmaticTammy) and CEE DEE QEEW 101 (@ceedeeqeew) both expressed cautious optimism, stating they would withhold judgment until the effects of the initiative became evident.
Other comments focused on the broader implications of the program. iloanya valentine (@Val_De_Gr8s) emphasized the need for the rangers to be deployed in key states like Sokoto, Niger, Katsina, and Yobe, arguing that if these areas are not secured, the initiative would be “useless” and should be reconsidered.
The economic impact of insecurity on food prices was highlighted by Chuks Dollars (@chuks_dollars), who expressed hope that the initiative would not turn into “empty promises.” He linked the high cost of food to the insecurity that drives farmers away from their lands, urging the government to secure farms and provide the necessary support, such as farm machinery and subsidies, to truly address food inflation.
Ogochukwu (@Uzorland) questioned whether the recruitment of Agro Rangers was sufficient or if more youths should be enlisted into the army, while Sir. A. M. Salihu ® (@MAIZANKOT) suggested that military might, rather than a specialized ranger force, be more effective in combating banditry.
Finally, Otoyo Ejikpese S (@Otoyosam) praised the Federal Government’s efforts but urged a more inclusive approach that involves all farming regions across the country, not just the North. He also noted that the necessary equipment for such an initiative should have been made available earlier to ensure its success.
