By Godwin Akor, Makurdi

Gov Samuel Ortom today lunched the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Operation Agro-Rangers in Benue State.

Speaking during the ceremony in Makurdi, Gov Ortom commended the NSCDC personnel for their resilience and doggedness in ensuring that peace and tranquility returns in the state.

He particularly commended President Mohammedu Buhari for sending additional security personnel for  Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) including the Special Forces to curb criminality
and further commended the Federal Government for approving the establishment of Operation Agro-Rangers in the country.

The governor charged the Agro-Rangers officers to take the task before them seriously and be professional while in the field.

He donated four Hilux vans and some motorcycles to the operation and pledged to repair all their vans that were down. 

He said the state would continue to respect the rule of law and prayed God to give the officers strength and wisdom to overcome the challenges.

Earlier, in his address, the State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Kaamilu Isah, said the operation was an initiative of the Federal Ministries of Interior and that of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Isah said all members of Agro-Rangers were drawn from the Special Forces Division of the Corps  to address security challenges in the agricultural and agro -allied industries in Nigeria, especially in rural communities.

“The personnel in the unit are highly trained both physically and psychologically, they are specially trained to repel all kinds of enemies’ attacks on rural communities”, he added.

According to him,  cardinal pillars of Rangers include: special operation raids and fighting patrols designed to size, capture or destroy enemy facilities or materials.