The Nigeria Military has debunked claims that insurgents have taken over a Military Training Area in Kontagora, Niger State.
The claims by a lawmaker, Abdullahi Isah, representing the Kontagora II Constituency were made on the floor of the Niger State House of Assembly on Monday.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by its Spokesperson, Edward Buba, the military noted that the claim had stirred unease within the Kontagora and Mariga communities and the state as a whole.
The statement said, “Firstly, this headquarter seized the opportunity to unequivocally state that this allegation is incorrect and inaccurate with realities on the ground.
“While it is understood that troops have recorded encounters with terrorists in the course of operating in the general area.
“No inch of the training area has been ceded to the terrorist. Indeed, troops constantly eliminate the threat posed by terrorist crises crossing the vast area. Our clearance operations in the area have denied the terrorists freedom of action.
“Additionally, the armed forces seize the opportunity to clarify that our ongoing operations, particularly in Niger State, are against terrorists. It is therefore erroneous for such threats to be described in any other form other than terrorist.
“Overall, the armed forces are working closely with the Niger State Government to ensure improved security in the state and for the citizens. Our troops are not relenting at ensuring total destruction of these terrorists wherever they may be hiding.”
The Nigerian Army on its part, noted that a thorough investigation by its 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,” the Army said.
The Army noted that while it appreciates the vigilance of the communities and the lawmakers, it urges all concerned parties to approach such matters with caution and verify information to avoid the potential to spread unwarranted fear, ultimately aggravating the security situation.
“Our training areas remain secured, fortified, and designed to swiftly neutralise 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,” the statement by its spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu said on Wednesday.