Nigerian Army troops
By HARUNA AHMED, Kaduna –
Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State has strongly denied allegations of demolishing civilian properties within its jurisdiction, labeling such reports as misleading attempts to discredit the military.
Addressing journalists during a tour of the areas in question, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at the Infantry Corps Centre, Captain
Olusegun Abidoye, dismissed the claims propagated by certain online platforms as entirely false.
In addition to refuting the demolition rumors, the military announced a successful operation to dismantle drug cartels operating in nearby communities.
Suspected drug dealers were apprehended and transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
“We are gravely concerned about the surge in drug trafficking and substance abuse in settlements like Railway, Unguwan Loya, and Unguwan Aboki,” Abidoye stated, highlighting the security risks posed by these activities.
Abidoye explained that these communities, while providing informal support to the cantonment, create significant challenges due to their proximity to designated training areas.
“Some of these settlements overlap with zones used for live-fire exercises, endangering both residents and military personnel,” he noted.
Intelligence reports according to the military confirmed the presence of organized drug networks, particularly in Railway settlement and Unguwan Loya, contributing to a rise in substance abuse among civilians and soldiers’ children.
The military’s investigations revealed that over 15 individuals were involved in trafficking substances such as Indian hemp, skunk, crystal meth, crack cocaine, tramadol, and other psychotropic drugs. “These cartels are driving a worrying increase in drug abuse, and our arrests aim to curb this menace,” Abidoye said.
He emphasized that the operation was a proactive step to restore safety and order in the area.
Regarding the alleged property demolitions, Abidoye clarified that the land in question is under litigation, and the cantonment has adhered to a court order to maintain the status quo.
“The plaintiffs, not the military, violated the court order by constructing buildings and allowing a company to excavate laterite,” he alleged, adding that the cantonment secured an injunction to halt further violations pending the court’s decision.
He also denied claims of the military disconnecting electricity to local communities, calling such accusations baseless.
To bolster security, the cantonment relocated certain businesses to a centralized market for improved oversight. Abidoye underscored the strategic importance of Jaji, which hosts key institutions like the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, the Infantry Corps Centre, and the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, as well as operational units like the 4 Demonstration and 601 Aviation Battalions.
“Some communities exploit the cantonment’s proximity to engage in illegal activities, which we are determined to stop,” he said.
Abidoye reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting law-abiding residents while cracking down on criminal activities.
“The cantonment will continue to ensure the safety of all citizens in and around Jaji,” he assured.
The military urged the public to disregard false reports and support its efforts to maintain security and combat social vices in the region.
