The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gombe State Command, on Monday commissioned a newly constructed Agro Rangers Base with residential facilities at the Kanawa Forest Reserve in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, in a move aimed at strengthening the protection of critical agricultural assets and addressing herders–farmers conflicts.
The NSCDC Agro Rangers Unit was established to bridge security gaps in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, with responsibilities that include protecting farmlands, ranches, silos, and forest reserves, as well as mediating disputes to promote food security and national stability.
The facility—equipped with furnished residential accommodation, a solar power system, and a motorised borehole—was built by the Gombe State Government with support from the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL) Project.
This was contained in a press statement issued by CSC Buhari Saad, the Public Relations Officer Gombe NSCDC.
Speaking at the commissioning, the State Commandant of NSCDC, Jibrin Idris, described the project as a strategic intervention to safeguard agro-allied investments and boost security in the area.
“The establishment of this base is a strategic response to emerging security challenges around agro-allied investments. In line with the directive of our Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Agro Rangers will ensure zero encroachment, zero illegal logging, and zero farmer-herder clashes within this corridor,” Idris said.
He added that the base would serve as a forward operating centre for Agro Rangers personnel, providing round-the-clock security for Kwadon community and the Kanawa Forest Biosphere and Botanical Garden.
“We are here to protect lives, livelihoods, and the green economy of Gombe State,” he stated.
The commandant commended Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for his support and lauded the ACRESAL State Project Coordinator, Dr. Sani Jauro, for his commitment to strengthening environmental and agricultural resilience in the state.
Two operational motorcycles donated by ACRESAL were also commissioned to enhance rapid response and patrol operations within the area.
Idris further urged residents of host communities to collaborate with security personnel and adopt peaceful means of resolving disputes.
“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.
Dignitaries present at the event included the ACRESAL State Project Coordinator, Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water, Environment and Forest Resources, Bello Mohammed; District Head of Kwadon, Alhassan Abubakar; as well as other traditional leaders and stakeholders.
