The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Adamawa State says its Agro Rangers unit has reduced farmers-herders conflicts in the state by 90 per cent.
The Command’s Information Officer, DSC Nyako Baba, disclosed this in an interview with reporters on Friday in Yola.
Baba said the achievement resulted from collective efforts by the Command and other key stakeholders.
He recalled that when the unit was established between 2016 and 2017, the Command invited major stakeholders, including farmers and herders, for a meeting.
“During the stakeholders’ meeting, we identified conflict flashpoints, which include farmlands, local and international cattle routes, and grazing reserves in the state,” he said.
“The Command advised farmers to stay clear of gazetted grazing and cattle route locations. We also warned herders to keep their grazing activities far away from farmlands. They all agreed and have abided by the resolution.”
Baba noted that this agreement has been key to achieving the 90 per cent reduction in conflicts between the two groups across the state.
He explained that despite the significant success, pockets of minor conflicts still occur occasionally.
The Command has recorded 16 incidents of cattle rustling, rescued over 100 cows, and made several arrests and prosecutions.
Baba added that the Agro Rangers have also diversified into curbing the circulation of fake agrochemicals in the state.
“Following several undercover security reports, we discovered a lot of fake agrochemicals in our markets across the state. Some of these chemicals have been banned by the Federal Government because of their danger to human health and the environment,” he said.
