EVALUATING THE MANDATE AND OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NIGERIA SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS (NSCDC) IN LAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN NASARAWA STATE

Abstract

This study investigates the mandate and operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in managing land resources in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 384 respondents across key stakeholder groups, including NSCDC officers, community members, and land management officials. The NSCDC’s broad statutory mandate under the NSCDC Act (2003, amended 2007) has expanded through specialized units such as the Agro-Rangers (2016) and Mining Marshals (2024), created to address land insecurity and illegal mining. Survey results indicate high public recognition of NSCDC's roles in preventing illegal land grabbing (87.5%) and protecting agricultural land (83.3%), while lower confidence was observed in mediation functions (51.0%) and in the newer Mining Marshals unit (69.8%). Qualitative findings affirm the Corps’ role in securing farms and escorting land surveys but also highlight operational constraints like inadequate logistics and unclear legal authority for mediation. These findings underscore the need for strengthened legal frameworks, better resource allocation, and enhanced community engagement to improve NSCDC’s effectiveness in land resource governance in Nasarawa State.