The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has strengthened its security operations in Oyo State with the deployment of Agro-Rangers to farming settlements and rural communities to protect farmers, agricultural activities and residents from criminal attacks.
The State Commandant, Augustine Padonu, disclosed this in Ibadan while receiving members of the executive committee of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, who paid him a courtesy visit.
Padonu said the corps had established operational bases in rural communities, particularly farming areas, to tackle security threats, safeguard agricultural investments and create a safer environment for farmers.
He added that the command was considering extending the deployment of Agro-Rangers to additional strategic locations to improve security coverage and respond more effectively to emerging threats.
The commandant said the NSCDC had over 2,000 personnel, 78 divisional offices and 11 area commands across the state, with specialised units assigned to address different security challenges.
He also highlighted the involvement of the corps’ Counter-Terrorism Unit in security operations, noting that the deployment of specialised personnel was part of efforts to strengthen its capacity to combat criminal activities.
Addressing broader security concerns, Padonu called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, journalists, community leaders and government authorities to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities threatening lives and property.
He expressed concern about criminal elements operating in forested areas and stressed the need for improved intelligence gathering, information sharing and coordinated operations, particularly in locations where state boundaries could complicate security responses.
According to him, the command was collaborating with other security agencies and the Oyo State Government’s security adviser to address threats in different parts of the state.
He urged stakeholders to support ongoing security efforts, particularly in rural communities where farmers and residents could be exposed to attacks.
Padonu also underscored the importance of responsible journalism in security reporting, urging media practitioners to verify information before publishing it.
He said, “There is nothing any agency can do without journalists. We cannot blow our own trumpet; you are the ones who will do that for us,” acknowledging the media’s role in informing the public about security operations and achievements.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Yinka Adeniran, said the delegation visited the command to appreciate the contributions of NSCDC personnel to security operations in the state.
Adeniran commended the corps for its role in efforts to secure the return of abducted victims in Orire Local Government Area.
He said journalists who covered developments surrounding the incident had witnessed the efforts of security personnel and believed their sacrifices deserved recognition.
The chapel chairman encouraged the command to sustain its engagement with the media by providing timely information on its operations, interventions and achievements.
He also commended the NSCDC’s reported intervention under the Safe School Initiative, which he said had reached approximately 65,000 students, describing security awareness in schools as an important measure for protecting pupils and strengthening preparedness against threats.
Adeniran assured the command that the Correspondents’ Chapel would continue to promote public awareness of security initiatives through its reporting.
He further disclosed that the chapel planned to recognise the command during its press week scheduled for November, in appreciation of its contributions to security and its engagement with the media.
