Nigeria Army refutes insurgents took over major military training facility in Niger state

The Nigeria Army has debunked claims that insurgents have seized control of a military training facility in Kontagora, Niger State.

In a statement on Wednesday, 30th of October, 2024 by Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, labelled the reports as false, misleading, and potentially harmful.

He expressed concerns that such information seems designed to provoke unwarranted fear within the community.

The Army’s intelligence unit conducted a thorough investigation and determined that the people seen in the area were actually herders searching for grazing land for their livestock.

The statement reads:

“The Nigerian Army is aware of the vicious insinuations circulating in the media , alleging that insurgents have taken over a Military Training Area in Kontagora, Niger State. We acknowledge the palpable unease this baseless claim may have stirred within the Kontagora and Mariga communities, as well as Niger State as a whole. However, we wish to clarify that no credible threat exists in those areas as being peddled, contrary to the information presented by Honourable Abdullahi Isah, representing the Kontagora II Constituency on the floor of the Niger State House of Assembly on 28 October 2024.

“Reports purporting an invasion of the military training area by alleged bandits and the subsequent displacement of residents from 23 communities across Kontagora and Mariga are not only untrue, but are utterly misleading and harmful, as it appears calculated to incite unnecessary panic in the neighbourhood. A thorough investigation by our intelligence unit confirmed that the individuals observed in the area were herders seeking grazing grounds for their herds. No malicious intent was detected, and no hostile actions were observed.

“While we appreciate the vigilance of the communities and the honourable member’s commitment to the safety of the people he represents, we strongly urge all concerned parties to approach such matters with caution and verify information through official channels, in this case, the Nigerian Army. Undoubtedly, misinformation of this nature has the potential to spread unwarranted fear, engender panic, misdirect valuable resources away from real security priorities, and ultimately aggravate the security situation.

“Our training areas remain secured, fortified, and designed to swiftly neutralize any security threat. The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of our host communities and Nigerians in general.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>