(MENAFN) In a rural area of northeastern Nigeria, women can be seen tending to their vegetable gardens and removing weeds while men in uniform stand watch nearby, armed with large rifles.

These men are part of the Agro Rangers, a specialized security force established by the government to safeguard farmers from the constant threat of militants associated with jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap).

These groups often target farms in Borno state, making it dangerous for locals to work their land.

Aisha Isa, a 50-year-old farmer, expressed her anxiety while working on her crops, telling BBC, "There is fear - we fear for our souls."

She and many others in her situation have been displaced from their homes, which they fled 11 years ago due to escalating violence. Now, she and others are transported daily from Maiduguri, the state capital, to Dalwa village, which is about an hour’s drive away.

Living in temporary housing, Aisha depends on growing beans and maize to feed her family.

Despite the danger, she explains, "We will take the risk and come even if the rangers are not coming."

The military has set up a designated farming area surrounded by trenches, where it is relatively safe for people to cultivate crops. However, venturing beyond these boundaries exposes them to the perilous risk of Boko Haram attacks.

Mustapha Musa, 42, shares his concerns, stating, "We have been hearing people are being kidnapped. Some are killed. That is why I'm scared and don't want to come without security protection."

The fear of violent retribution from insurgent groups remains a constant worry for these farmers, even as the Agro Rangers offer some semblance of security.

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