Nigerian Army reacts as news spread of alleged gunmen invasion of its Training Facility – Crime Channels

Nigerian Army reacts as news spread of alleged gunmen invasion of its Training Facility

The Nigerian Army has refuted claims that insurgents have seized control of a military training facility in Kontagora, Niger State.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, labeled these reports as false, misleading, and potentially harmful. He expressed concern that such information seems designed to provoke unwarranted fear within the community.

The Army’s intelligence unit conducted a thorough investigation and determined that the people seen in the area were actually herders searching for grazing land for their livestock.

The statement said: “No malicious intent was detected, and no hostile actions were observed.

“We acknowledge the palpable unease this baseless claim may have stirred within the Kontagora and Mariga communities, as well as Niger State as a whole.

“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.

“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 neutralize 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.”