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Authorities of the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State have debunked viral reports alleging the demolition of civilian properties within areas under the military’s jurisdiction.
They also confirmed the dismantling of multiple drug cartels operating in adjoining communities, stressing that some suspects have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for prosecution.
Speaking during a guided press tour on Sunday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Infantry Corps Centre, Captain Olusegun Abidoye, described the demolition reports as false and targeted at tarnishing the image of the Nigerian Army.
“No demolition exercise has been carried out by the Jaji Cantonment. The reports circulating on some online media platforms are completely untrue,” Abidoye stated.
He explained that the land in question was subject to ongoing litigation and that the military had obeyed a court order to maintain the status quo.
“It is rather the plaintiffs who violated the order by constructing new buildings and permitting a construction firm to excavate laterite,” he added.
According to him, the cantonment has since filed for an interlocutory injunction to halt further excavation pending the outcome of the court case.
The army spokesman disclosed that the military had uncovered and dismantled organised drug syndicates operating in settlements around the cantonment, particularly in Railway Settlement, Unguwan Loya, Unguwan Aboki, Unguwan Alhaji, and Unguwan Alasan.
“These communities, while informally supporting the cantonment, also pose significant social and security risks,” Abidoye said.
He noted that military intelligence and field surveillance uncovered extensive drug operations involving over 15 suspects, leading to arrests and the transfer of suspects to the NDLEA.
“Some of the common substances trafficked include Indian hemp, skunk, Exol, ice (crystal meth), crack cocaine, tramadol, and other psychotropic drugs,” he revealed.
Abidoye lamented the impact of drug abuse on both military and civilian children within the cantonment, stressing the urgent need for community sanitisation.
To address the rising security concerns, the cantonment relocated some informal businesses into a centralised market for better monitoring and control.
He also refuted allegations that the military disconnected power supply to the surrounding civilian communities, clarifying that the army had no involvement in the issue.
“These communities refuse to vacate despite overlapping military training grounds, which exposes them and army personnel to danger during field exercises involving live ammunition,” he noted.
Jaji Cantonment’s Strategic Role
Naija News reports that the Jaji Military Cantonment remains a critical hub for military training and operations in Nigeria. It houses: Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Headquarters, Infantry Corps Centre, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Warrant Officers’ Academy, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, 4 Demonstration Battalion, 601 Aviation Battalion.
Abidoye reaffirmed the cantonment’s commitment to upholding law and order while safeguarding its immediate environment.
“We will continue to protect all law-abiding citizens within and around the cantonment, but we will not tolerate criminality disguised as residency,” he declared.
The post Nigerian Military Dismisses Demolition Claims, Cracks Down On Drug Cartels appeared first on Naija News.
