Farmers’ associations have praised the Federal Government’s recent deployment of 10,000 agro-rangers but are calling for an increase in their numbers to enhance the initiative’s effectiveness.
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Lagos State Chapter, and the Poultry Association of Nigeria voiced their opinions during separate interviews on Tuesday.
The agro-rangers deployment, led by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), is part of a broader strategy by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to bolster food security and curb rising inflation. The initiative targets 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, aiming to protect farmlands and ensure the safety of farmers, who have increasingly become targets of violent attacks.
Deputy Chairman of AFAN’s Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Shakin Agbayewa, lauded the government’s efforts but raised concerns about the adequacy of the deployment. “This is a significant step towards addressing food security in Nigeria,” Agbayewa stated. “However, given the vast land area, the number of agro-rangers deployed is insufficient. There is a need for collaboration with local security outfits to ensure comprehensive coverage of farmlands.”
Agbayewa also highlighted the ongoing threat of banditry, which has made farming increasingly hazardous. “Bandits have been extorting farmers, making food production risky. With proper security, farmers will be encouraged to increase production, which will, in turn, help curb insecurity,” he added.
Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Godwin Egbebe, National Publicity Secretary of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, commended the initiative but questioned its sustainability and effectiveness without proper equipment. “The deployment of 10,000 agro-rangers is commendable, but are they adequately equipped to handle the threats posed by bandits?” Egbebe asked. “To truly make an impact, the agro-rangers need access to advanced technology like drones and real-time intelligence.”
Egbebe warned that without sufficient resources, the initiative might only have a limited effect on the security challenges facing farmers.
Agricultural expert and co-founder of Corporate Farmers International, Mr. Akin Alabi, described the agro-rangers initiative as a positive development in the fight against farm-related insecurity. “This deployment is a critical move towards combating insurgency in our farming communities,” Alabi noted. However, he emphasized that food insecurity is influenced by multiple factors, including climate change and logistics, which must also be addressed.
Alabi urged the Federal Government to create a specialized unit within security agencies to train, retrain, and recruit more young Nigerians for the agro-rangers program. “This will ensure more comprehensive protection for farmers, many of whom have been displaced due to insecurity,” he said.
Farmers and experts alike are urging the government to consider expanding the agro-rangers initiative to ensure it can effectively secure Nigeria’s farmlands and support the nation’s food security goals.
