A new scandal is rocking the Yobe State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following serious allegations of extortion, illegal detention, and livestock conversion leveled against senior officers of the Agro Rangers unit.

The accuser, Alhaji Ardo Dan Karami from Kumari village in Damaturu, filed a petition claiming that Assistant Commandant Ahmed Isa Michika—the officer in charge of the Agro Rangers—and his team carried out what he described as “daylight robbery under the cover of uniform.”

According to the petition filed through his lawyer, the incident began on October 18, 2025, when Agro Rangers personnel stormed his home while he was away. They allegedly seized 340 cows and 18 sheep, accusing the animals of destroying a farm. The livestock was taken to Damaturu, but what followed, Dan Karami claims, was nothing short of criminal.

He alleged that one of the sheep was slaughtered under the excuse that it had a fracture, yet the carcass was never returned. He also claimed that three cows were loaded into an official Hilux truck and disappeared, while a pregnant cow died after giving birth in custody at the Damaturu pilgrims camp. Two additional cows are reportedly missing.

The herder further accused the officers of demanding ₦250,000 before they would “open the case.” He said they later forced him to pay ₦2 million as compensation for alleged farm damage—without conducting any investigation or taking the matter to court.

The petition alleges additional charges of ₦3,000 per cow as “bail” for 300 cows, amounting to about ₦900,000. In total, Dan Karami claims to have paid ₦3,150,000 to regain his livestock.

Although 340 cows and just two sheep were eventually released, 15 sheep, one ram, the sheep earlier slaughtered, and two cows remain missing. He estimates the value of the missing livestock at ₦6,250,000.

When top officials from the Yobe State Government confronted Assistant Commandant Michika and his deputy over the allegations, the officers reportedly refunded ₦900,000. They claimed they had collected only ₦800,000 and had already spent ₦50,000. No disciplinary action has been announced so far.

This latest controversy comes months after an earlier scandal involving the command. On July 8, 2025, troops of Operation Hadin Kai intercepted a truck transporting vandalised railway sleepers, accompanied by an NSCDC-branded Hilux. Five officers were found in the vehicle, and one was caught with ₦128,500 hidden in his clothing. The incident led to the removal of the then commandant.

Community leaders warn that repeated misconduct by security personnel risks deepening distrust in a region that is already battling insecurity. They are calling for thorough investigations and accountability to restore public confidence.