NSCDC relaunches counter-terrorism unit to tackle farmer-herder crisis in Oyo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has relaunched its counter-terrorism unit (CTU) in Oyo state.

Iskilu Akinsanya, NSCDC commandant in the state, disclosed this on Monday after reviewing the performance of the corps.

The state has been plagued with issues of insecurity in recent times, with records of clashes between farmers and herders in some areas.

Akinsanya said that although the CTU had been in existence for a long time, it has been underutilised.

He added that 150 personnel from the corps will be deployed to tackle farmers and herders’ clashes in the state.

“We are relaunching the unit now and we will partner with the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, for further training,” Akinsanya said.

“We are having about 150 personnel from this unit that will be deployed to various locations in Oyo State to tackle herders and farmers clashes, and other insecurity issues.

“They will work with the Agro Rangers, which has been upgraded; we are now into the use of electronic devices for urgent security information and not only relying on use of human security.

“The communities know the criminals among them and should cooperate with the security agencies in fishing them out.

“Security is the responsibility of all and not for the government alone.”