During a plenary session on Tuesday, the Niger State House of Assembly expressed deep concern over the alarming situation at the Nagwamase Military Cantonment, a key military training facility located in Kontagora.
This cantonment, recognized as one of Nigeria’s largest military training camps, has reportedly fallen under the control of heavily armed bandits, raising significant security alarms for both military personnel and local communities.
Abdullahi Isah, the representative for the Kontagora II constituency, introduced a motion of urgent public importance detailing the crisis. He reported that the bandit occupation has resulted in frequent and violent attacks, forcing families from over 23 farming communities near the cantonment to abandon their homes in search of safety.
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Assembly members emphasized the strategic importance of the Nagwamase cantonment, which serves as a critical training ground for the Nigerian Army’s artillery corps. The facility plays a vital role in the country’s defense infrastructure, preparing artillery personnel for military duties nationwide. However, the ongoing banditry has severely disrupted military operations and routine training exercises.
In light of the crisis, the House of Assembly has urged the Niger State government to engage directly with military authorities to tackle the security challenges and mobilize efforts to reclaim control of the training camp. Lawmakers stressed that restoring order at the Nagwamase cantonment is crucial not only for national defense but also for ensuring the safety and livelihoods of the affected communities in Kontagora and Mariga.
The Assembly’s plea underscores the severity of the security situation in Niger State, calling for immediate intervention to prevent further civilian displacement and to restore the strategic military training facility to operational status.
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