Niger Assembly raises alarm over takeover of military training camp by bandits

Niger State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over the takeover of a major military training camp by bandits.

The Nagwamase Military Cantonment in Kontagora, headquarters of Kontagora Local Government Area, has been occupied by gunmen, forcing over 23 communities to flee.

The training camp, one of the largest in Nigeria, hosts the Artillery Corps of the Nigerian Army.

However, bandits have established at least eight different camps within the area, posing significant security challenges to nearby communities.

Hon. Abdullahi Isah, representing Kontagora II, brought the motion to the assembly’s attention during Tuesday’s plenary session.

He stated that the bandits’ presence has led to incessant attacks on communities within the camp, with some residents still being held captive.

The assembly has urged the state government to collaborate with military authorities to flush out the bandits and restore peace to the area.

The lawmakers also called for necessary support to be given to the military to secure the training camp.

The takeover of the military camp has sparked concerns about the escalating insecurity in Niger.

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