In a recent critique, a former US diplomat questions the Tinubu administration’s approach to managing bandit incursions in Nigeria. Discover the details and implications for national security.
Tibor Nagy, a former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, has expressed his worries regarding Nigeria’s security situation under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Nagy made these remarks following reports from a lawmaker in the Niger State House of Assembly, who claimed that bandits had taken control of the Nigerian Army training camp in Kontagora. This has heightened concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.
On Wednesday, Nagy tweeted: “Only in Nigeria can bandits seize the country’s largest military training facility.” He continued, “Anywhere else, this would clearly be ‘fake news,’ but in Nigeria even the most absurd and outrageous things are possible. When will the nation have a competent government?”
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The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had earlier denied the allegations that bandits had taken control of a military training camp.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, responded by asserting that “not a single part of the training area has been surrendered to the terrorists.” He characterized Hon. Abdullahi Isah of Kontagora II’s claims as “false and not consistent with the facts on the ground.”
He stressed the military’s commitment to maintaining control of the area.
Buba also recognized confrontations with terrorists in the area and emphasized that ongoing military operations are dedicated to eliminating these threats. “Our troops remain committed to completely eradicating these terrorists wherever they may be hiding,” he asserted.
Moreover, the Defence Headquarters emphasized its collaboration with the Niger State Government to enhance security efforts. This initiative follows reports from Isah indicating that bandits have established camps in the Nagwamase Military Cantonment, displacing approximately 23 communities and causing significant safety concerns.
