Nigeria faces an impending food crisis as around 23 farming communities have been forced to flee their homes due to the occupation of a major military training camp in Kontagora Local Government Area, Niger State, by armed bandits.
The Niger State House of Assembly disclosed this alarming situation on Tuesday during a plenary session, where they discussed the state of the Nagwamase Military Cantonment, a significant military training center in Kontagora and one of Nigeria’s largest military camps.
Reports indicate that heavily armed bandits have taken control of the extensive training grounds, which stretch from Kontagora to parts of Mariga Local Government, posing serious security threats not only to military personnel but also to the surrounding communities that rely on the cantonment’s stability for their safety.
Abdullahi Isah, representing the Kontagora II constituency, introduced a motion of urgent public importance, sharing that the bandits’ occupation of the military camp has resulted in frequent violent attacks, forcing families in over 23 nearby farming communities to abandon their homes in search of safety.
The Niger State House of Assembly has expressed deep concern over the security crisis at the Nagwamase cantonment, underscoring its strategic importance as a vital training ground for the Nigerian Army’s artillery corps.
This site plays a critical role in preparing artillery personnel for national defense duties.
Assembly members noted that the presence of armed bandits has severely disrupted military operations and routine training at the cantonment. In response, the House called on the Niger State government to collaborate with military authorities to resolve the crisis and coordinate efforts to reclaim the training grounds.
Lawmakers emphasized that restoring order at Nagwamase is essential not only for the defense infrastructure but also for the safety and welfare of the 23 impacted communities in Kontagora and Mariga.
Their plea reflects the seriousness of the security situation in Niger State, urging prompt intervention to prevent further civilian displacement and restore full functionality to this critical military facility.