The Nigeria Army (NA) has announced that the viral claim of the takeover of the Military Training Area in Kontagora, Niger State, by a terrorist group is untrue.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, described the claims as “baseless and vicious insinuations” in a statement shared on Wednesday in Abuja.
Nwachukwu added that the claim sited by the Niger State House of Assembly member, Hon. Abdullahi Isah, on October 28, 2024, has stirred palpable unease within Kontagora, Mariga communities, and the entire state.
He said, “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.”
Explaining the effect of the claim on residents, Nwachukwu said, “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.”
The NA spokesperson noted that a thorough investigation revealed that the area was occupied by herders seeking grazing grounds for their herds, noting that 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.”
Describing the aftermath effects of misinformation on residents, Nwachukwu stated that it births fear, engenders panic, misdirects valuable resources, and aggravates the security situation.
Nwachukwu said the training area remains secured, fortified, and designed to swiftly neutralize any security threat, acknowledging the NA’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of their host communities, citizens, and entire Nigeria.
By Helen Okechukwu
