NSCDC moves to tackle farmers–herders clashes in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has renewed its commitment to curbing persistent farmers–herders conflicts.

Just as it pledges deeper collaboration with community groups and volunteer mediators to sustain peace across the territory.

Olusola Odumosu, FCT Commandant,  gave the assurance in Abuja while receiving members of the Herders–Farmers Dispute Resolution Volunteers at the command headquarters in Wuse Zone 5.

He said the Corps was intensifying efforts to promote peace-building, safeguard lives and property, and prevent recurring clashes that have disrupted communities in recent years.

Odumosu stressed that protecting critical national assets and infrastructure remains a core mandate of the Corps, noting that the unique status of the FCT as Nigeria’s seat of power makes security coordination even more crucial.

He explained that the presence of key government institutions, foreign missions, and public utilities heightens the need for proactive intelligence gathering and collaboration with local stakeholders.

According to him, strengthening partnerships with groups such as the dispute resolution volunteers would improve early warning systems and enable timely intervention in potential flashpoints.

He added that community-based intelligence remains vital to effective policing, particularly in rural and agrarian areas where tensions between farmers and herders often escalate.

The commandant referenced recent incidents in area councils including Kwali and Gwagwalada, where avoidable clashes led to loss of lives and destruction of livelihoods, including livestock.

He warned that such conflicts not only threaten security but also undermine agricultural productivity and economic stability in the territory.

Odumosu called for a shift away from ethnic profiling and blame narratives, insisting that criminality should not be linked to any group.

He maintained that individuals involved in violence must be treated as enemies of the state, regardless of their background, and assured that the Corps would deal decisively with offenders while continuing to promote peaceful initiatives.

He also underscored the importance of sustained public enlightenment and reorientation campaigns to foster unity and peaceful coexistence.

According to him, building harmony between farmers and herders requires consistent dialogue, awareness, and a shared sense of national responsibility.

Beyond security concerns, the NSCDC boss highlighted the broader implications of the conflicts on food security, warning that disruptions to farming activities could worsen economic pressures.

He advocated a comprehensive approach that combines intelligence gathering, early warning mechanisms, and non-kinetic strategies such as mediation and community engagement.

Odumosu further assured the delegation of the Corps’ readiness to support their peace-building initiatives both strategically and operationally, noting that their objectives align with the NSCDC’s mandate of conflict prevention and internal security management.

Mustafa Suleiman, National Chairman of the Herders and Farmers Dispute Resolution Volunteers, said the group, established in 2020, focuses on resolving disputes through dialogue and grassroots engagement.

He commended the NSCDC for its role in managing conflicts and maintaining stability across communities, describing the Corps’ intervention as critical to sustaining peace in the FCT.