By Jide Akinseye
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Gombe State Command, on Monday inaugurated a newly constructed Agro Rangers operational base at the Kanawa Forest Reserve in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the protection of critical agricultural assets and addressing recurring herder–farmer conflicts in the state.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Gombe State Command, on Monday inaugurated a newly constructed Agro Rangers operational base at the Kanawa Forest Reserve in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the protection of critical agricultural assets and addressing recurring herder–farmer conflicts in the state.
The Agro Rangers Unit of the NSCDC was established to bridge security gaps within Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Its core responsibilities include safeguarding farmlands, ranches, silos, and forest reserves, as well as mediating disputes to enhance food security and national stability.
The newly unveiled facility, equipped with furnished residential accommodation, a solar-powered energy system, and a motorised borehole, was constructed by the Gombe State Government with support from the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL) Project.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Gombe NSCDC Command, Buhari Saad, who noted that the project forms part of broader efforts to improve security across agrarian communities.
Speaking at the inauguration, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Jibrin Idris, described the base as a strategic intervention designed to protect agro-allied investments and enhance security in the area.
He said the establishment aligns with directives from the Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to ensure stricter surveillance and protection of agricultural zones.
“The establishment of this base is a strategic response to emerging security challenges around agro-allied investments. The Agro Rangers will ensure zero encroachment, zero illegal logging, and zero farmer-herder clashes within this corridor,” Idris stated.
He added that the facility would function as a forward operating base, enabling round-the-clock security coverage for the Kwadon community and the Kanawa Forest Biosphere and Botanical Garden.
According to him, the deployment underscores the Corps’ commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods, and the green economy of Gombe State.
Idris commended Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for his support towards the initiative and lauded the ACRESAL State Project Coordinator, Dr Sani Jauro, for advancing environmental and agricultural resilience in the state.
As part of efforts to boost operational efficiency, two motorcycles donated by ACRESAL were also inaugurated to facilitate rapid response and patrol activities within the forest reserve and surrounding communities.
The commandant further urged residents of host communities to cooperate with security personnel and embrace peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms.
“We call on communities to cooperate with Agro Rangers personnel and take advantage of the Corps’ Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of agrarian conflicts,” he said.
