DHQ denies terrorists took over army training facility in Niger

The Defence Headquarters has denied allegations that bandits have taken over an army training facility in Kontagora, Niger State.

The Niger State House of Assembly had raised an alarm over the occupation of Nigeria’s largest military training camp in Kontagora Local Government Area by bandits.

The lawmakers said the bandits’ activities have displaced 23 communities around the Nagwamatse military cantonment in the Kontagora local council headquarters.

According to the lawmakers, the cantonment hosts the largest military training camp in Nigeria, where personnel of the Nigerian Army’s artillery corps undergo training.

But the spokesman of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, responded, stating, “The attention of Defence Headquarters has been drawn to media reports making the rounds that the Niger State House of Assembly alleged that the Nigerian Army Military Training Area in Kontagora LGA of the state has been taken over by bandits. Firstly, this headquarters seizes the opportunity to unequivocally state that this allegation is incorrect and inaccurate with realities on the ground.

“While it is understandable 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.

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“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, are against terrorists.

“It is therefore erroneous for such threats to be described in any other form other than terrorist.

“Overall, the armed forces are working closely with the Niger State Government to ensure improved security in the state and for the citizens.

“Our troops are not relenting in ensuring the total destruction of these terrorists wherever they may be hiding.”