FIC Report (Plateau State) – In a renewed push to tackle insecurity in rural areas and safeguard Nigeria’s food supply, Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has officially deployed 150 newly trained Agro-Rangers to protect farmers and their farmlands across the state. The commissioning, which took place on Monday July 8, 2025, at the NSCDC Command and Staff College in Naton-Fursa, Jos East, marks a significant step in the state government’s efforts to secure agricultural zones and promote national food self-sufficiency.
Speaking at the Passing-Out Parade, Governor Mutfwang underscored the vital role of agriculture in national development and stressed the need to protect farmers as they journey to and from their farmlands. He described the deployment as a timely intervention aimed at restoring confidence among local farmers and increasing productivity.
“Our farmers are national assets. If they are not protected, we cannot guarantee food security or stability. This initiative is about safeguarding lives and livelihoods,” the Governor stated.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and praised the nation’s security chiefs for their coordinated efforts in addressing threats to peace in Plateau State. He also commended the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for pioneering the Agro-Rangers scheme, which he said is crucial to addressing the specific security concerns in rural and agrarian communities.
Mutfwang emphasized that hunger fuels unrest and that without safe farming environments, both national stability and economic growth are at risk. He urged the newly commissioned Agro-Rangers to carry out their duties with diligence, patriotism, and fairness.
“This is not just employment—it is a call to serve the nation by ensuring our food systems are protected,” he told the graduates.
Highlighting recent achievements, the Governor noted the peaceful evacuation of thousands of cattle from conflict-prone areas in Bokkos as an example of the professionalism and impact of the Agro-Rangers and other security agencies on ground.
Earlier in his remarks, NSCDC Commandant General Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi revealed that this is the second batch of Agro-Rangers deployed in Plateau State. He reaffirmed the Corps’ readiness to support the state’s peace-building and food security initiatives through expanded security coverage for farmers.
Dr. Audi had also visited Governor Mutfwang for a strategic meeting focused on further improving security coordination across Plateau.
The ceremony marks a major milestone in the state’s multi-pronged approach to combating insecurity, especially in farming regions that have long been vulnerable to attacks.
Signed
IDI, SALAMA PEACE,
Senior Information Officer,
For: Head of Centre,
FIC, Jos.
