How Plateau’s Agro-Rangers Initiative Is Pushing Back Hunger and Fear
By: Erewunmi Peace
In a bold move to tackle food insecurity and rural violence, the Plateau State Government has launched a second batch of Agro-Rangers under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The initiative is fast gaining attention for its dual mission: to protect farmers and ensure sustainable food production across the state.
Securing Farms, Restoring Confidence
On July 8, Governor Caleb Mutfwang commissioned 150 Agro-Rangers in Jos, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to agriculture and rural security. The deployment is a direct response to the rising cases of farm invasions, farmer-herder conflicts, and targeted violence that have plagued farming communities, especially in volatile areas like Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom.
“These officers are not just trained for security; they are trained to understand the value of food, land, and peace,” said Governor Mutfwang during the ceremony. “Without securing our farmers, there will be no food. And without food, there will be fear, manipulation, and unrest.”
Combating Hunger Through Security
Over the past year, Plateau State has seen widespread displacement of farmers due to escalating tensions. This has led to abandoned farmlands, lower crop yields, and rising food prices. The Agro-Rangers are expected to provide on-ground security for farmers, escort them to and from farms, monitor hotspots, and help mediate minor disputes before they escalate.
Farmers in areas already patrolled by Agro-Rangers have reported renewed confidence in going back to their fields. “We can now sleep and farm without fear. The Agro-Rangers presence has given us a new hope,” said Lydia Dung, a maize farmer in Mangu LGA.
Beyond the Gun: A Community-Based Approach
What makes the Plateau model unique is its blend of security and civilian cooperation. Agro-Rangers are trained in non-violent conflict resolution, cultural sensitivity, and agricultural risk management. In one recent case, the team helped evacuate over 40 stranded cattle from a conflict zone, avoiding what could have been another violent clash.
“The goal is not just to fight crime,” said Commander Joseph Danladi of the NSCDC, “but to restore trust between communities and to build a safe environment for food to grow.”
A Model for Other States?
As food inflation and rural insecurity continue to threaten national stability, Plateau’s Agro-Ranger strategy may serve as a model for other Nigerian states. Analysts are already calling for more funding and federal backing to replicate the initiative across the Middle Belt and beyond.
Governor Mutfwang has also hinted at plans to expand the program with more personnel, logistics support, and digital monitoring tools for better coordination.
Why This Matters
The Agro-Rangers are more than a security outfit—they are part of a growing shift towards food-centered governance, where safety, sustainability, and social justice are treated as interconnected goals.
With hunger and fear now deeply linked in Nigeria’s agricultural regions, Plateau State’s Agro-Rangers may just be leading the way toward a more secure and self-reliant future.
