A group, Centre for Media Advocacy (CMA), has hailed the impact of the initiative by the Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, on the way to tackle the security situation in the North-east.
It noted that a few years ago, the initiative implemented to the letter by the corps’ management and other sister security agencies in the North checked cattle rustling.
According to CMA, this same initiative can be used by security agencies to nip in the bud the incessant banditry and kidnappings across the country.
This was contained in a statement issued Thursday in Abuja the group’s director of media, Comrade Gabriel Gwajime.
The statement read in part: “The organisation wonders why this initiative is not applied in other security sectors as it is grassroots-oriented, working with the local people in the community and farmlands across the North. The populist approach of this initiative has helped to fish out hoodlums and bad eggs within a given community as the traditional rulers work with the members of the community to rid their domain of any unwanted group operating against the beliefs and peaceful co-existence of the community. This measure accordingly is to project farmers against incessant attacks by bandits and kidnappings so as to enable them cultivate their farmlands for the provision of food security for the nation; which the deployment by the NSCDC has ascribed to mobilise farmers and build their confidence to enable them carry out their activities without fear.
“CMA notes with satisfaction that the agro-rangers collaboration with the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) is also a laudable initiative as the operatives recently raided major markets in Gwagwalada, Abuja, where fake and poor quality and adulterated seeds are on sale. These seeds, according to the director-general of NASC, Dr. Philip Ojo, are meant to be destroyed at the forthcoming Farmers’ Field Day in Abuja.
“CMA hereby appeals to organisations, public-spirited individuals, institutions and the international community to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s drive to modernise the NSCDC through adequate funding and partnership.”
