DHQ debunks takeover of military training facility by bandits

Defence Headquarters, on Wednesday, refuted the alleged taking over of the Nigerian Army Military Training Area in Kotangora Local Government Area  Niger State by bandits as claimed by the State House of Assembly.

In a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by Director Defence Media Operations, Major Gen Edward Buba, DHQ  “unequivocally state that, the allegation is incorrect and in accurate with realities on the ground.”

According to the statement,” while, it is understanding that troops have recorded encounters with terrorists in the course of operating in the general area. No inch of the training area has been ceded to the terrorists.

” Indeed, troops constantly eliminate the threat posed by terrorists crisscrossing the vast area. Our clearance operations in the area have denied the terrorists freedom of action.

“Additionally, the armed forces seize the opportunity to clarify that our ongoing operations, particularly in Niger, are against terrorists. It is therefore erroneous for such threats to be described in any other form other than terrorist.

The statement reads, “The attention of Defence  Headquarters has been drawn to media reports making rounds that the Niger State House of Assembly alleged that the Nigerian Army Military Training Area in Kotangora LGA of the state has been taken over by bandits.

“Firstly, these headquarters seize the opportunity to unequivocally state that, this allegation is incorrect with realities on the ground.

“While it is understood that troops have recorded encounters with terrorists in the course of operating in the general area. No inch of the training area has been ceded to the terrorists.  Indeed, troops constantly eliminate the threat posed by terrorists crisscrossing the vast area. Our clearance operations in the area have denied the terrorists freedom of action.

“Additionally, the armed forces seize the opportunity to clarify that our ongoing operations, particularly in Niger State, is against terrorist. It is therefore erroneous for such threats to be described in any other form other than terrorist”.

While stating that” the Armed Forces is working closely with the Niger State Government to ensure improved security in the state and for the citizens” it declared that the ” troops are not relenting at ensure destruction of these terrorists wherever they maybe hiding”.

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