A new security outfit known as ‘Agro Rangers’ has been put in place to protect investment in agriculture sector, including cattle rustling and farmers-herdsmen clashes across the country.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo disclosed this yesterday at a three-day National Conference on the Transformation of the Livestock Industry holding at the International Conference Centre in Abuja. Osinbajo, who was represented by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Audu Ogbeh, said the 3,000 armed Agro Rangers were trained by the Ministry of Interior to curb the menace of cattle rustling and to protect agricultural investments.

“We have heard how many of you have lost money, 300 cows, 200 cows in one night to cattle rustling, we have now put together a new security group called the Agro Rangers. “If you start a ranch or you have a big agricultural project we post them to you at no cost to you to protect your investment,” he said.

In addition, the minister said the FG will provide insurance cover for investments made in the livestock sector.

Ogbeh said Nigeria has about 19 million cows and will support private players to get into the agriculture sector. (Daily Trust)