The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has expressed concern over the reported seizure of military bases by bandits.
There were reports that terrorists have taken control of Nigeria’s largest military training camp, located in Kontagora, Niger State. The Nagwamase Military Cantonment, a strategic facility, is now under the occupation of daredevil criminals.
The Niger State House of Assembly first brought this to light, with member Abdullahi Isah revealing that the terrorists have chased away 23 farming communities in the area.
This development has sparked widespread concern, particularly given the camp’s proximity to the Federal Capital Territory, just a five-hour drive away.
HURIWA, however, condemned the situation, urging President Bola Tinubu to direct the military to expel the terrorists immediately.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, described the occupation as a “national security threat” and a “big shame” for the military.
HURIWA criticized the military’s inability to prevent the takeover and questioned its capacity to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The group also slammed the National Assembly for inaction, noting that the legislature has failed to address the issue, according to Daily Post.
Additionally, HURIWA expressed disappointment over the vandalism of power facilities in Niger State, which has left Northern states without electricity for over a week. The group called for swift action to restore power and ensure the military’s facilities were secure.
The occupation of the military training camp by terrorists raises serious concerns about Nigeria’s national security and the military’s effectiveness.
“This piece of bad news should seriously be seen as a major national security threat especially because it takes just five hours to drive from Kontagora to the Federal Capital Territory. The earlier these terrorists are degraded, decapitated and expelled from the military facility, the better for the security interest of Nigeria.”
HURIWA called for a broad action by the military “to ensure that this sort of spectacular disgrace is not repeated in any of its facilities in the country as this calls to question the capacity of the armed forces to implement their mandate as constitutionally guaranteed.
“Defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria is the most fundamental duty of the military. It is therefore absolutely unacceptable that terrorists would be allowed to occupy military camps for this period to an extent that the Niger state house of Assembly was compelled to intervene.”
