Bandits take control of military training camp in Niger State, displacing communities

In a troubling development, bandits have allegedly taken control of the military training camp at Nagwamase military cantonment in Kontagora, Niger State, leading to the displacement of approximately 23 surrounding communities.

This camp is known as one of the largest military training grounds in Nigeria.

During a recent session of the state House of Assembly, Abdullah Isah, the representative for Kontagora II, presented a motion of urgent public importance, detailing the extent of the crisis.

He highlighted that the camp spans a vast area that extends into parts of the Mariga local government area, which has also been heavily impacted by banditry.

Isah reported that the camp has become a stronghold for at least eight separate bandit camps, exacerbating the insecurity in the region.

He expressed grave concerns over the increasing attacks on local communities, noting a significant surge in violence over the past month.

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Several residents who had been abducted during recent raids remain missing.

The assembly has called on the state government to collaborate with military authorities to expel the bandits from the training camp and restore safety to the area.

Members also emphasized the need for enhanced military training support, including modern equipment and logistics, to effectively combat the armed groups operating in the region.

As a result of the violence, many residents, primarily farmers, have been forced to flee their homes and farmland, contributing to a deepening humanitarian crisis in the area.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kontagora