Muhammad Muazu, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Gombe State (NSCDC), has sent 299 guards and other personnel to avoid conflicts between farmers and herders during the state’s harvest season.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Buhari Sa’ad, revealed this information on Wednesday, November 1 2023. He stated that the 299 agro-rangers would be stationed along the state’s main cattle routes.

Mu’azu claims that the goal is to keep farmers and herders apart and guarantee a tranquil harvest season for the state.

According to our source, it was further reported that Governor Muhammadu Yahaya requested at the NSCDC headquarters that protection be provided for farming operations to increase food security, and that is why the deployment occurred.

“This became necessary to enforce the State Government’s migration order and cattle movement restrictions,” the statement stated.

“The deployment of the specialized staff is in line with the corps’s objective to create plans and frameworks that, utilizing contemporary technologies, would enhance national security.”

“It is evident that the rainy season has all but ended as October 2023 draws to a close. Thus, farmers have started harvesting crops from their farms.”

“In Nigeria, especially in Gombe State, where the population is 80% rural, the harvest season presents numerous challenges.” We must never forget that the herders started their movement from the northern area, specifically from the states of Yobe and Bauchi, respectively, and followed their path in quest of pastures with more greenery.

The commandant threatened to use the entire force of the law on any farmer or herder found to violate the restriction order.

“Instead of handling things on their own, we encourage farmers throughout the state to report any suspicious activity or security threats to the closest security post,” Muazu continued.

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“We urge farmers and herders to embrace the use of modern techniques in agriculture and animal husbandry to reduce the incidence of clashes which have in the past led to the loss of lives, cattle, and destruction of farmlands across the country,” he said, urging the public to assist the deployed officers by providing helpful information that would aid in their operations.

“We also implore the people of Gombe State to assist the NSCDC in upholding the state’s peace and security, as we guarantee that the organization won’t give up until there is no longer any kind of insecurity in the region.”

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