The Defence Headquarters dismissed claims that terrorists have taken over a military training camp in Niger State.
This response comes after the Niger State House of Assembly expressed concerns on Tuesday, alleging that bandits had occupied the military camp in Kontagora Local Government Area and parts of Mariga Local Government Area.
Abdullahi Isah, representing the Kontagora II State Constituency, raised a motion of urgent public importance, claiming that the alleged occupation has led to the displacement of over 23 farming communities near the camp due to repeated attacks.
In a statement on Wednesday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, clarified that while bandit activities are present in the area, no part of the military training camp has been seized.
“The Defence Headquarter’s attention has been drawn to media reports that the Niger State House of Assembly alleged the Nigerian Army’s military training area in Kontagora LGA has been taken over by bandits.
This Headquarters unequivocally states that this allegation is incorrect and does not reflect the reality on the ground,” Buba stated.
He emphasized that ongoing military operations in the region are effectively limiting the movements of terrorists, noting, “While troops have encountered terrorists during operations in the general area, not an inch of the training area has been ceded to them.
Indeed, our clearance operations continuously counteract terrorist threats, denying them freedom of action in the area.”
Buba also underlined the military’s partnership with the Niger State Government in efforts to restore peace.
“Our operations, especially in Niger State, target terrorist threats directly.
Any other classification of these threats is erroneous,” he said, adding, “The armed forces remain resolute in their mission to eradicate terrorists in all hiding places.”
