Niger Assembly: Bandits Seize Military Camp, Displace 23 Communities

The Niger State House of Assembly has raised an urgent alarm following the reported takeover of a major military training camp by bandits, resulting in the displacement of residents across 23 communities.

The camp, located at the Nagwamase military cantonment in Kontagora, the headquarters of Kontagora Local Government Area, is one of Nigeria’s largest military training sites. During Tuesday’s plenary, Abdullahi Isah, representing the Kontagora II State Constituency, brought a motion highlighting the alarming situation. Isah informed the Assembly that the bandits had occupied the camp, which historically serves as a training ground for the Nigerian Army’s artillery corps.

According to Isah, the bandits have not only established a base in the military facility but have also driven out residents from surrounding communities, forcing numerous farmers to abandon their land due to relentless attacks.

“This military camp is now reportedly under the control of bandits who have set up at least eight camps in the area,” he said. “Their presence has turned this once-secure military facility into a stronghold, posing a severe security threat to communities within the Kontagora and Mariga Local Government Areas.”

The Assembly further revealed that over the past month, these communities have endured escalated violence, with bandits allegedly operating unchecked. Several residents have been kidnapped, with some still held captive, intensifying fears among locals.

In response, the legislators called upon the state government to coordinate urgently with military authorities to reclaim the camp. They stressed that restoring control over the camp would allow displaced residents to safely return to their homes and resume their livelihoods.

The Assembly also urged the state government to provide the military with adequate support to secure the camp and restore peace in the affected areas.