The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly denied allegations suggesting that terrorists have overtaken its military training facility located in Niger State. This clarification comes in response to concerns raised by the Niger State House of Assembly on Tuesday, which indicated that bandits had reportedly occupied the military training camp in Kontagora Local Government Area, as well as areas in Mariga Local Government Area.
Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, addressed these claims, highlighting that while banditry remains a challenge in certain regions, no part of the military training facility has been compromised. “We want to assure the public that our military training facility is secure and operational,” Buba stated. “Active military operations are currently underway to suppress any terrorist movements in the area.”
The situation in Niger State has drawn increasing attention, with local authorities expressing alarm over the presence of armed groups and their potential impact on safety and security. The Niger State House of Assembly’s concerns reflect a broader uneasiness about rising insecurity across the country, particularly in rural areas where banditry has escalated.
In his response, Major General Buba highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the DHQ and the Niger State Government. He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the region, stating, “We are working closely with state authorities to address security challenges and ensure the safety of our citizens.”
Buba further elaborated on the military’s operational strategies, which include intelligence gathering and community engagement to tackle the root causes of insecurity. He highlighted that the DHQ is committed to enhancing the capacity of security forces to respond effectively to threats posed by bandits and other criminal groups.
