The Nigerian Army has described as untrue, the media reports alleging that insurgents have taken over its military training camp in Kontagora, Niger state.
Director Army Public Relations, Maj-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement issued Wednesday said that while the military acknowledged the palpable unease this baseless claim might have stirred within the Kontagora and Mariga communities, as well as Niger State as a whole.
He added: “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.
“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.”
Nwachukwu stressed that 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.
He added that the allegations appears calculated to incite unnecessary panic in the neighbourhood.
He noted: “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 neutralise any security threat.”
Nwachukwu assured that said the Army remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of host communities and Nigerians in general.