In a significant move to enhance agricultural productivity and foster peace, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has commissioned an additional 150 agro-rangers tasked with providing security for farmers and their produce throughout the state.
The governor described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at ensuring food security and ultimately achieving food sovereignty in Nigeria during the passing-out parade of the agro-rangers trainees at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Command and Staff College in Naton-Fursa, Jos East Local Government Area.
While emphasizing his administration's commitment to peace, unity, and inclusive development, Governor Mutfwang stated: "Nigerian farms are national assets that must be protected. Also, the journey of farmers to and from the farms must be safe and secured if we are to guarantee food security for our nation."
The governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support and to the nation's security chiefs for their collaborative efforts in addressing security challenges confronting the state. He specifically praised the NSCDC for its innovative agro-rangers initiative, describing it as a laudable strategy that complements the efforts of conventional security agencies in safeguarding rural communities and farmlands.
"While our security forces continue to uphold the sovereignty and internal stability of the country, the agro-rangers initiative by the NSCDC is a timely and commendable response to the unique security needs of our agrarian communities," the governor noted.
Mutfwang emphasized that rural insecurity undermines national stability and economic growth, warning that a hungry population is vulnerable to manipulation. He stressed the importance of ensuring farmers can cultivate and harvest their crops without fear or threat.
"Our farms are critical national assets that must not only be protected but also cultivated to attain food security and food sovereignty. These agro-rangers have been trained to ensure that farmers can return home safely and that the fruits of their labour are not destroyed," he added.
The governor further revealed that security agencies, including the agro-rangers, recently facilitated the peaceful evacuation of thousands of stranded cattle from Bokkos Local Government Area without incident, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining peace through professionalism and dialogue.
Addressing the graduating agro-rangers, Mutfwang charged them to discharge their duties with integrity, fairness, and patriotism. "What you are called to do is beyond a job, it is a noble sacrifice for your fellow citizens. Uphold justice, fairness, and remain committed to the mission of safeguarding our food systems and communities," he said.
Earlier, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, noted that this is the second batch of agro-rangers deployed in Plateau State. Audi affirmed the corps' determination to support the state government in tackling security challenges, especially in farming communities.
"We are proud to be partners in the journey toward sustainable peace and food security. The agro-rangers are specially trained to provide security cover for farmers, and we are committed to expanding their operations across the country," he stated.
The deployment comes at a critical time when agricultural communities across Nigeria face increasing security challenges that threaten the nation's food production capacity.
Stay updated with the latest news from Plateau State and across Nigeria. Follow BenriNews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
