Armed bandits have reportedly taken over the Nagwamase Military Cantonment in Kontagora, Niger State, prompting the evacuation of at least 23 communities in the vicinity.
This significant military training ground, one of the largest in Nigeria, is now a focal point of security concerns.
The alarming development was brought to light during a plenary session of the Niger State House of Assembly by Abdullah Isah, the member representing Kontagora II.
He revealed that the military camp occupies an extensive area extending into parts of Mariga Local Government Area, which has now been overrun by bandits.
“This military camp has now been taken over by bandits, who have established at least eight different camps in the area. The training camp has posed a serious security challenge to communities within the camp both in Kontagora and Mariga LGAs,” Isah stated. He further noted that these communities have faced increased attacks over the past month, with bandits operating with apparent impunity.
According to Isah, some members of the communities who were abducted during recent attacks are still in the den of the bandits. He called on the government to take decisive action to flush out the terrorists from the camp.
“The training camp has posed a serious security challenge to communities within the camp both in Kontagora and Mariga LGAs,” he reiterated.
The Niger State House of Assembly also urged the government to assist the military with modern equipment and logistics to restore peace to the area.
Residents from the 23 sacked communities are predominantly farmers, who have invariably fled their ancestral homes and farms.
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The takeover has raised significant security risks, not only for the military personnel stationed at the camp but also for the local communities that rely on the cantonment’s stability for their safety.
As armed bandits maintain control over this crucial military site, concerns mount about the impending food crisis due to the disruption of agricultural activities in the region.
Expressing deep concern over the situation, the Assembly members highlighted the strategic importance of the Nagwamase cantonment, which serves as a critical training ground for the artillery corps of the Nigerian Army. The training site is integral to the country’s defence infrastructure and is used to prepare artillery personnel for military duties across the nation
However, the Assembly noted that these bandits have severely disrupted military activities and routine training exercises due to their occupation of the grounds.
The House of Assembly called on the Niger State government to engage directly with military authorities to address the security crisis and mobilise efforts to reclaim the training camp.
Lawmakers stressed that restoring order at the Nagwamase cantonment is vital not only for the defence establishment but also for the safety and livelihood of the 23 affected communities in Kontagora and Mariga.
The Assembly’s plea reflects the gravity of the security situation in Niger State, with the lawmakers urging immediate intervention to prevent further displacement of civilians and to restore the strategic military training facility to full operation.
