The Nigerian Army has described the claim by the Niger State House of Assembly that insurgents have taken over its training camp in Kontagora, as false.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Majar General Onyema Nwachukwu, dismissed the claim in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Nwachukwu described the claim as ‘vicious insinuations’, adding that the claim had stirred palpable unease within the Kontagora and Mariga communities, as well as Niger State as a whole.
“We wish to clarify that no credible threat exists in those areas as being peddled, contrary to the information presented by Hon. Abdullahi Isah, representing the Kontagora II Constituency on the floor of the Niger State House of Assembly on October 28.
“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 said the reports are utterly misleading and harmful, as they appear calculated to incite unnecessary panic.
According to him, a thorough investigation by the Nigerian Army intelligence unit confirmed that the individuals observed in the area were herders seeking grazing grounds for their herds with no malicious intent detected, nor hostile actions observed.
The Nigerian Army insist that its training areas remain secured, fortified, and designed to swiftly neutralize any security threat as it remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard lives and properties.
He urged all concerned parties to approach such matters with caution and verify information through official channels.
Lantana Nasir
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