Bandits have reportedly taken control of the military training camp at Nagwamase military cantonment in Kontagora, Niger State.
The takeover, it was gathered, has led to the displacement of approximately 23 communities in the surrounding area. This camp is recognized as one of the largest military training grounds in Nigeria.
A motion of urgent public importance, presented by Abdullah Isah, the member representing Kontagora II in the state House of Assembly, highlighted that the camp occupies a vast expanse of land extending into parts of Mariga local government area, which has also been heavily affected by banditry.
Isah stated that the camp has become a base for at least eight separate camps established by the bandits.
During a recent plenary session, Isah expressed concern over the escalating security challenges faced by communities within and around the training camp, citing a surge in attacks over the past month. He noted that some residents who had been abducted during recent raids remain captive.
The assembly urged the state government to collaborate with military authorities to expel the bandits from the camp and restore safety to the area. Members of the assembly also called for enhanced support for the military, including modern equipment and logistics, to effectively tackle the armed groups operating in the region.
Residents from the affected communities, primarily farmers, have been forced to flee their homes and farmland due to the violence, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
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