The Niger State House of Assembly has raised an alarm over the takeover of Nigeria’s largest military training camp, located at the Nagwamase military cantonment in Kontagora, by terrorists.
The Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution urging Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to collaborate with the military to expel the armed groups, commonly referred to as bandits, from the area.
The lawmakers expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity, warning that the situation has displaced over 23 communities across Kontagora and Mariga Local Government Areas.
The motion was introduced by Honourable Abdullahi Isah, representing Kontagora II constituency. He explained that bandits had established multiple camps in the area and now use the military facility as a hideout, posing a serious threat to nearby communities.
“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 safe haven, has posed serious security challenges to communities within the camp in both Kontagora and Mariga,” Isah said.
He further noted that farming communities in the vicinity have been forced to flee following continuous attacks, and several residents have been abducted in recent raids.
“The Nagwamase military cantonment in Kontagora is home to the largest military training camp in Nigeria, where personnel of the artillery corps undergo training. But unfortunately, the camp is now under the control of bandits,” he added.
After debating the issue, the Assembly resolved to support the state governor in providing logistics to the military for the operation. It urged the governor to immediately engage with military authorities to restore security to the area.