Manny Ita –
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed 11,000 personnel across the country to provide security for farmers as part of efforts to address rising food insecurity and ensure a successful planting season.
The commandant-general of the corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, disclosed that the deployment is aimed at protecting farmers from attacks, particularly in rural communities where insecurity has previously disrupted agricultural activities.
According to the corps, the personnel have been strategically assigned to vulnerable farming communities to prevent attacks by criminal elements and allow farmers to carry out their activities without fear.
Audi said the initiative forms part of a broader national effort to support food production and stabilize the country’s agricultural sector, noting that security challenges in farming areas have significantly affected productivity in recent years.
“We have deployed 11,000 personnel specifically to protect farmers during the current planting season,” he said. “Our officers will work closely with local communities to ensure that farmers can go to their farms safely and return home without any threat to their lives or property.”
He explained that the corps is collaborating with other security agencies and community leaders to monitor farmlands and respond swiftly to any threats in agricultural zones.
The commandant-general emphasized that ensuring the safety of farmers is critical to addressing the country’s food supply challenges and reducing the risk of food shortages.
“This deployment is part of our commitment to national food security,” Audi said. “When farmers feel safe to cultivate their land, the entire nation benefits from increased food production.”
In recent years, attacks on farming communities in parts of northern and central Nigeria have contributed to reduced agricultural output and rising food prices, raising concerns among policymakers and development experts.
The NSCDC said the latest deployment will remain in place throughout the planting season as authorities continue to strengthen security measures around farming communities across the federation.
