“Only in Nigeria can bandits take over the nation’s largest military training facility.”— Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Tibor Nagy

Tibor Nagy, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, has voiced strong criticism of the Nigerian government’s handling of security under President Bola Tinubu. Nagy’s remarks follow recent allegations that armed bandits had overtaken the Nigerian Army training camp in Kontongora, Niger State, sparking alarm over Nigeria’s worsening security landscape.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Nagy commented, “Only in Nigeria — can bandits take over the nation’s largest military training facility. Anywhere else in the world, this would be obviously ‘fake news,’ but in Nigeria even the most absurd and outrageous is possible. When will the nation get a decent government?”

Nagy’s comments come in response to statements by Hon. Abdullahi Isah, a member of the Niger State House of Assembly representing Kontagora II. Isah alleged that bandits had occupied areas within the Nagwamase Military Cantonment, leading to the displacement of 23 communities and raising serious safety concerns for the surrounding states.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ), however, has strongly refuted these claims. Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, assured the public that no part of the military facility had been “ceded to terrorists.” Buba argued that Hon. Isah’s claims were “incorrect and inaccurate,” emphasizing that the military remains in control of the facility.

Despite confirming recent encounters with terrorists in the area, Buba stressed that ongoing military operations are successfully countering these threats. “Our troops are not relenting at ensuring the total destruction of these terrorists wherever they may be hiding,” he stated. The DHQ further noted collaborative efforts with the Niger State Government to bolster security measures in response to community concerns.