Agro Rangers

The Agro Rangers[a] are a unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) formed in 2019 in response to the Nigerian herder–farmer conflict and Boko Haram insurgency. Its first deployment saw it act as defence units in Borno State, though it has expanded to a force of 10,000 rangers across all 36 Nigerian states (according to the NSCDC) and the Federal Capital Territory and primarily performs operations guarding farms and farmers, from raids, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.

History

The Agro Rangers were created in 2016 by the request of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which sought greater protection for farmers in the Nigerian agro industry. Then-Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Audu Ogbeh asked for 2,500 such rangers. The first unit was created in Borno State and had 3,000 rangers, drawn mostly from existing NSCDC forces.[1][2] Borno has been the main center of Boko Haram operations and continues to be a central deployment of the Agro Rangers.[3] Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo announced in 2017 that Agro Rangers were able to protect ranch operations from cattle rustlers upon request from the rancher.[4] Further Agro Ranger units was inaugurated in September 2019, with 1,000 rangers ready for deployment to Plateau State, with 1,000 more in training.[5] That same month, Agro Rangers were deployed to the Federal Capital Territory[6] and Niger State.[7] In October 2019, the NSCDC announced 313 more rangers would be committed to Nasarawa State with the goal of combatting farm attacks and cattle rustlings.[8] That same month, Agro Rangers were deployed to Yobe State.[9] In October 2020, illegal grazing activities were dispersed by the Agro Rangers in Oyo State.[10]

In 2020, the NSCDC announced that D'banj would serve as the Agro Rangers' brand ambassador.[11]

In 2018, a training program was announced for the Agro Rangers in conjunction with the U.S. National Guard.[12]

In March 2025, the government announced its intention to recruit another 10,000 Agro Rangers,[13] which would add to the 10,000 rangers already serving.[14][15]

Efficacy and criticism

Residents in Borno have reported insufficient protection from militant attacks, and fled threatened areas regardless of existing Agro Ranger presence. For this reason, the Nigerian government and the NSCDC have sought to expand the Agro Ranger program,[16] an issue which Bola Tinubu campaigned on before his 2023 election,[15] in which Tinubu won Borno State.

Although the NSCDC has claimed that the Agro Rangers are deployed in all states in Nigeria, CrossRiverWatch could not confirm a deployment in Ondo State, with interviewed locals having not seen any Agro Rangers, while attacks continue.[15]

Professor Clement Adebooye, Benue State assemblyman Terna-Kester Kyenge, and former federal legislator Junaid Muhammed have expressed skepticism of the Agro Rangers ability to combat the threats faced by farmers.[17]

Notes

  1. ^ Variations on capitalisation and inclusion of hyphen are sometimes used.

References

  1. ^ "FG Creates Agro Rangers Corps, Set To Deploy 3,000 To Farms, Ranches". nscdcgovng. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  2. ^ Abu, Ahmed. "Borno State Launches Agro Rangers To Protect Farmers Against Boko Haram Terrorists". Nigerian Voice. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  3. ^ "On patrol with Nigeria's 'Agro Rangers', who protect farmers from Boko Haram". YouTube. 22 September 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  4. ^ "Federal Government to provide insurance for ranch operators". pmnewsnigeria. P.M. News. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  5. ^ Nanlong, Marie-Therese (25 September 2019). "Agro Rangers to act as mediators in farmers, herders conflicts – NSCDC". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
  6. ^ Adepegba, Adelani (7 September 2019). "NSCDC deploys agro rangers in FCT". Punch Newspapers. The Punch. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  7. ^ Opara, Enyioha (6 September 2019). "Why we established agro-rangers in Niger — NSCDC commandant". Punch Newspapers. The Punch. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  8. ^ Muhammed, Umar (28 October 2019). "NSCDC tackles Nasarawa crisis with agro-rangers". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
  9. ^ "NSCDC inaugurates agro-ranger unit in Yobe". pmnews. P.M. News. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  10. ^ Oyewale, Wale (28 October 2020). "NSCDC Agro Rangers dislodge herdsmen in Oyo reserve". Punch Newspapers. The Punch. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  11. ^ "Civil Defence Unveils D'banj as Agro-Rangers' Brand Ambassador". THISAGE | Breaking News from Nigeria and Around the World. 2 November 2025. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  12. ^ Ajayi, Omeiza (6 November 2018). "Breaking: FG to engage US National Guard to battle insecurity". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  13. ^ AbdulAzeez, Seyifunmi (20 March 2025). "FG to recruit 10,000 agro rangers for farmers' protection amid herders' killings". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  14. ^ Emeka, Gibson (21 August 2024). "Nigeria deploys armed rangers to protect farmers". Voice of America. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  15. ^ a b c "Ondo Farmers Left Vulnerable Despite Agro-Ranger Promise". CrossRiverWatch. CrossRiverWatch. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  16. ^ Ndukwe, Ijeoma (22 October 2025). "Nigeria's farmers on the frontline against Boko Haram: 'We fear for our souls'". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  17. ^ "Will FG's plan to engage agro-rangers to protect farmlands end herdsmen attacks?". Punch Newspapers. The Punch. 22 January 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
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