The Niger State House of Assembly has raised an alarm over the takeover of a key military training camp in the state. During plenary session on Tuesday, the Assembly revealed the troubling situation at Nagwamase Military Cantonment in Kontagora, one of Nigeria’s largest military training grounds.
Heavily armed bandits have reportedly seized control of the expansive training grounds, which stretch from Kontagora to parts of Mariga Local Government Area.
Lawmakers warned that the occupation poses serious security threats to both military personnel and nearby communities dependent on the cantonment’s stability for their safety.
Abdullahi Isah, representing Kontagora II, moved a motion of urgent public importance, detailing the extent of the bandits’ occupation.
He reported that these armed bandits have launched frequent attacks, forcing families in over 23 farming communities around the camp to flee to safer areas. Expressing concern, Assembly members emphasised the strategic role of Nagwamase cantonment as a training ground for the Nigerian Army’s artillery corps, integral to national defense.
“This military camp is now known to have been taken over by bandits who are said to have established at least eight different camps in the area.
“The presence of the bandits on this training camp which now serves as their haven has posed a serious security challenge to communities within the camp, both in Kontagora and Mariga local government areas,” Isah stated.
The Assembly noted that the occupation has severely disrupted military activities and routine training exercises. The lawmakers have, therefore, called on the Niger State government to work with military authorities to tackle the crisis and restore control of the training camp.
The Assembly stressed the importance of reclaiming the cantonment for national defense and for the safety of the 23 affected communities in Kontagora and Mariga.
Their appeal reflects the serious security situation in Niger State, urging swift action to prevent further civilian displacement and restore the military facility’s operations.
