The Ogun Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Thursday in Abeokuta, launched an Agro-Rangers unit, as part of efforts to check security challenges in forest reserves across the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the command also officially decorated 200 newly-promoted personnel.
The commandant of NSCDC in Ogun, Hammed Abodunrin, noted that the forests, which were supposed to be sources of recreational activities, were fast becoming havens for criminals and hoodlums.
He said that the creation and launch of the unit was in response to the development.
The commandant explained that the agro-rangers unit would also provide adequate security for farmers, herders as well as their farms, animals and the environment in general.
“The personnel in this unit have also been trained to provide adequate protection for both public and private agricultural investments, including agro-allied industries, silos and related establishments across the state and the federation,” he said.
Speaking on the promotion of the 200 officers, Abodunrin said that the gesture had become necessary in order to inspire the affected officers and others to be more dedicated.
“The Commandant- General has reiterated it times without number that his major concerns are public safety and welfare of the corps personnel.
” Of course, motivated officers will go to any length to ensure the protection of members of the public against any form of threat.
“It is in realisation of this that the commandant-general has taken it upon himself to ensure that officers and men of the corps enjoy regular promotion, salary allowances and trainings, among others,” he said.
Abodunrin announced at the event that the state command had recently taken delivery of some security equipment from the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja.
He listed the items to include special motorcycles for rugged terrains and horses for place where vehicles and motorcycles could not reach.
Abodunrin urged the state government to assist the command concerning its proposed permanent site, which according to him, lacked necessary furniture and good roads, thus making its occupation difficult.
Meanwhile, Gov. Dapo Abiodun commended the NSCDC, describing the initiative as timely and a demonstration of the foresight and capacity of the corps to respond to the security needs of the people.
Abiodun, who was represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, stated that the development would enhance tourism which, he said, was an important aspect of his administration.
Abiodun pledged his administration’s continued support for all the security agencies in the state.
He recalled that government had realised nearly N1billion through a fund raising recently organised by its newly-invigorated security trust fund.
The governor promised that the fund would soon be shared among the security agencies to enhance security in the state.
He added that the 100 security vehicles and the 200 motorcycles recently purchased by his administration would soon be distributed among the security agencies.
Abiodun also said that government was making plans to fix communication gadgets to the equipment to compliment them.
