Bandits Allegedly Seize Military Camp in Niger State, Displacing Communities and Sparking Calls for Reinforcements

In a troubling development, bandits have reportedly taken control of the Nagwamase military cantonment, a significant military training camp in Kontagora, Niger State, Nigeria. The incident has led to the displacement of residents from approximately 23 surrounding communities, heightening security concerns in the area. This training camp, one of Nigeria’s largest military facilities, has reportedly been transformed into a base for at least eight separate bandit camps, marking a concerning shift in regional control.

Abdullah Isah, representing Kontagora II in the state House of Assembly, recently presented a motion of urgent public importance, drawing attention to the alarming situation. Isah described how the camp, which spans a large area extending into Mariga local government area, has not only become a stronghold for bandits but has also led to intensified banditry across the region. The motion pointed out that the surrounding communities have faced a surge in violent attacks over the last month, with numerous residents being abducted and still held captive.

Isah’s motion emphasized the urgent need for government intervention, urging the state authorities to collaborate closely with military officials to drive out the bandits and reestablish security in the area. The state assembly, in response, called for increased support for military personnel, recommending enhancements in equipment, logistics, and other resources to ensure an effective response to the rising threat posed by armed groups in the region.

The violence has taken a severe toll on local residents, many of whom are farmers now forced to abandon their homes and agricultural land. This has worsened the ongoing humanitarian crisis, as displaced families struggle to find safety and secure basic necessities. For those forced from their communities, the loss of their livelihoods and the uncertainty around future resettlement are immediate concerns.

The situation underscores the challenges that local and state governments face in containing armed groups in rural areas, with the bandits’ influence encroaching upon even highly fortified military zones. The recent takeover highlights the pressing need for reinforced military support and strategic intervention to reclaim the camp and restore stability for displaced communities.