Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has resolved 397 farm-related disputes involving the destruction of farmlands and poisoning of cattle across the state between January and October 2026.
The command also plans to establish six additional operational bases for its Agro Rangers Unit to strengthen security coverage in farming communities and improve response to agricultural disputes.
The State Commandant, Augustine Padonu, disclosed these developments while presenting the operational achievements of the unit during the 10-month period.
According to him, the 397 cases comprised 386 incidents of malicious damage to farmlands and 11 cases of cattle poisoning.
A breakdown of the figures showed that January recorded 64 cases, February 53, March 45, April 31, May 17, June 26, July 32, August 32, September 50 and October 47.
Padonu said the interventions had helped address farmer-herder disagreements, prevent the escalation of disputes and promote peaceful coexistence among agricultural stakeholders.
He explained that the Agro Rangers currently maintained operational bases in six locations: Oriire, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Lanlate, Igboora and Oyo.
The proposed six additional bases, he said, would extend the unit’s reach to more farming communities, improve response time to distress calls and strengthen surveillance and patrol activities.
The commandant added that the unit had sustained mediation, sensitisation and enlightenment programmes involving farmers, herders, agricultural merchants and transporters to promote mutual understanding and respect for their respective economic activities.
He said the Agro Rangers also conducted regular patrols and collaborated with other security agencies to prevent criminal activities and protect lives, property and agricultural investments.
Padonu commended the unit’s personnel for their professionalism and dedication, stressing that peaceful relations between farmers and herders were essential to food security, economic stability and sustainable development.
He urged farmers, herders, community leaders and other stakeholders to embrace dialogue, respect lawful boundaries and avoid actions capable of triggering conflict.
The commandant also advised residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest NSCDC formation, assuring them that the command would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, conflict mediation, community engagement and inter-agency collaboration.
