The Niger State House of Assembly has sounded an alarm over the takeover of a major military training camp by bandits, an incursion that has forced residents of 23 surrounding communities to flee.
The camp, located at Nagwamase cantonment in Kontagora, is one of Nigeria’s largest military training grounds and hosts artillery corps training for the Nigerian Army.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Abdullahi Isah, a lawmaker representing Kontagora II State Constituency, revealed that bandits had established control over the sprawling camp, which extends from Kontagora Local Government Area to sections of Mariga Local Government Area.
“This military camp is now known to have been taken over by bandits, who are said to have set up at least eight different camps in the area,” Isah told the assembly, stressing the gravity of the situation.
The Assembly members said the invasion has led to the displacement of residents in no fewer than 23 farming communities within the camp’s vicinity.
These communities, according to Isah, have been subjected to repeated assaults by the bandits, who operate with brazen impunity.
“The presence of bandits on this training camp, which now serves as their haven, has posed a serious security challenge to communities within the camp,” he said.
Notably, recent attacks have seen several community members abducted, with some victims still held captive by the gunmen.
The assembly, concerned over the deteriorating security in the region, called on the Niger State government to urgently coordinate with military authorities to expel the bandits and secure the training camp.
The lawmakers further urged the state government to provide essential support to the military to reclaim the training camp and restore safety to the affected communities.
This, they stressed, would pave the way for displaced residents to return to their homes and rebuild their lives.
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