The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Monday, declared that any farmer or cattle breeder in illegal possession of firearms in Oyo state will be arrested and prosecuted.
Oyo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Alhaji Iskilu Akinsanya stated this in Ibadan while addressing journalists at the headquarters at stakeholders meeting with farmers in the state and the Miyetti Allah Cattle dealers.
Akinsanya pointed out that the time has come for the farmers and cattle breeders across Oyo state to rid their midst of the bad elements by exposing those with criminal records before they turn a nuisance
He stressed that the newly created Agro Rangers operations shall involve 100 officers and men of the corps, 50 officers are to assist the armed Agro Rangers men on intelligence gathering while the remaining 50 shall be the combatant arm of the operation.
The Commandant stated that “Among other mandates of these deployed operatives, they shall arrest and prosecute any farmer or cattle breeder found in possession of illegal firearms.
“Tactical operation shall be cluster -based involving the trained men of the NSCDC in Agro Rangers operations with support from the good people of Oyo state and members of the Hausa Community, Miyetti Allah Cattle breeders Association, Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle dealers and all related Agro Allied service providers.
“I have called for this press conference to intimate you about the operations of my command as lined up for the end of the year, festive period and the New Year ahead.
We will also appraise how far we have gone in protecting lives and properties of the good people of Oyo state. You will agree with me that the festive and New Year seasons have the highest crime rates”, he said.
Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Dealers, Alhaji Yakubu Bello promised that Miyetti Allah members in the state are ready to expose the bad elements in their midst as well as cooperate with security agencies in ensuring peace and stability among farmers.
