The Niger State House of Assembly has sounded an alarm over the occupation of Nagwamase Military Cantonment—one of Nigeria’s largest military training camps—by armed terrorists.
Reports indicate that gunmen have taken control of the facility, driving out residents of roughly 23 farming communities in the Kontagora and Mariga local government areas.
Located in Kontagora, the Nagwamase Cantonment serves as a central training ground for the Nigerian Army Artillery Corps. However, state lawmakers confirmed that the site has been overrun by terrorists, who have reportedly established multiple encampments within the facility’s extensive grounds.
During a plenary session, Abdullahi Isah, the Assembly member representing Kontagora II, highlighted the gravity of the situation. He emphasized that the terrorists have entrenched themselves across a large expanse, posing a severe security threat to nearby communities, which have recently faced a series of violent attacks, kidnappings, and displacement.
“The training camp, now functioning as a haven for these gunmen, threatens the safety and livelihoods of communities in both Kontagora and Mariga,” Isah stated. He also reported that several abductees from recent incidents remain in captivity, underscoring the urgency of the crisis.
Following extensive discussions, the Assembly called on the Niger State Government to urgently coordinate with military authorities to dislodge the terrorists. Lawmakers also urged the government to provide the military with full support to secure the cantonment and restore peace, enabling displaced residents to return to their homes.
