Authorities at the Jaji Military Cantonment have firmly dismissed recent viral claims that the Nigerian Army demolished civilian properties within areas under its control.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at the Infantry Corps Centre, Captain Olusegun Abidoye, made these clarifications during a press tour held on Sunday.
“No demolition exercise has been carried out by the Jaji Cantonment,” Captain Abidoye stated emphatically.
He described the viral reports as baseless attempts to tarnish the army’s reputation. Suspicion surrounds these reports, which emerged on multiple online platforms with no solid evidence.
The land in contention, Captain Abidoye explained, is currently under litigation.
The military is instead abiding by an active court order to maintain the status quo.
According to him, it was the plaintiffs who defied the court order by constructing new buildings and allowing a construction firm to excavate laterite soil illegally.
Seeking to prevent further unauthorized activities, the military has applied for an interlocutory injunction to halt excavation and construction work until the legal dispute is resolved.
This judicial measure underlines the military’s commitment to lawful conduct amid the controversy.
Uncovering and Cracking Down on Drug Syndicates
While demolitions have been denied, Jaji Cantonment’s military officials confirmed an aggressive crackdown on organized drug cartels operating within neighbouring communities.
Surveillance and intelligence gathering exposed extensive narcotics trafficking in settlements such as Railway Settlement, Unguwan Loya, Unguwan Aboki, Unguwan Alhaji, and Unguwan Alasan.
“These communities often coexist informally with the cantonment,” Captain Abidoye acknowledged, “but they also serve as hotbeds of social and security threats.”
Over 15 suspects have been arrested in recent weeks, with many handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for prosecution.
The military’s investigation reportedly uncovered the trafficking and use of a wide array of illicit substances.
These included Indian hemp, skunk, Exol, ice (crystal meth), crack cocaine, tramadol, and numerous psychotropic drugs.
The revelation of such rampant drug activity near a major military installation raises serious concerns about the scope of criminality tolerated in these areas.
Captain Abidoye lamented the devastating impact of drug abuse on young people, both civilian and military families residing in and around the cantonment.
He emphasized the urgent need to sanitize the community to protect future generations.
In a bid to tighten control, the cantonment authorities have relocated informal business activities into a centralized market, enabling more effective monitoring and reducing illegal activities.
Addressing Power Supply and Civic Tensions
Another contentious issue surrounds claims that the military disconnected power in neighboring civilian communities.
Captain Abidoye forcefully refuted these allegations, clarifying that the army had no role in any disruptions.
He highlighted the dangers posed by communities refusing to vacate lands overlapping military training grounds.
These overlaps put civilians and military personnel at risk, especially during live ammunition drills.
The military’s insistence on clearing these areas is framed as necessary for safety and operational integrity.
The ongoing presence of civilians in restricted military zones represents a complex challenge.
It fuels tensions between the army and residents and raises critical questions about enforcement and community relations.
The military insists it will protect law-abiding citizens but will not tolerate criminal elements exploiting the cover of residence.
Jaji Military Cantonment: A Strategic Stronghold
Jaji Military Cantonment remains one of Nigeria’s most vital military hubs, hosting several prominent institutions.
These include the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Infantry Corps Centre Headquarters, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Warrant Officers’ Academy, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, 4 Demonstration Battalion, and 601 Aviation Battalion.
Captain Abidoye reaffirmed the military’s dedication to upholding order and security within the cantonment’s environs.
“We will continue to protect those who respect the law, but we will act decisively against criminality disguised as residency,” he declared, underscoring the non-negotiable stance of the Nigerian Army on security matters.
Whose Interests Do the Military Serve
Despite official statements, public reaction has been sharply divided. Critics argue that the military’s denial of demolitions strains credibility amid mounting reports and satellite images circulating online.
They see these denials as an attempt to obscure heavy-handed tactics that displace vulnerable communities without clear solutions.
Moreover, some voices question the timing and intensity of the anti-drug campaigns.
Are they genuine efforts to restore order, or selective operations masking broader failures in community engagement?
Reports suggest some sympathize with grassroots traders and residents displaced or inconvenienced.
The military’s forceful presence and security operations in civilian areas evoke memories of past abuses and underscore ongoing mistrust between Nigerian citizens and security agencies.
This situation demands transparent communication and collaborative strategies.
What Residents and the Public Really Need
Addressing security risks near Jaji Cantonment requires more than crackdowns and legal battles.
Residents demand respect for their rights amid efforts to maintain military readiness.
Sustainable solutions should balance operational needs with humane resettlement plans and social services.
Combating drug abuse calls for comprehensive community programmes involving health, education, and economic opportunities alongside law enforcement.
Only integrated interventions will disrupt drug syndicates and reduce youth vulnerability.
Power connectivity and infrastructure issues should be transparently managed to avoid unnecessary hardship or misconceptions, which currently fuel unnecessary tensions.
The Road Ahead: Accountability and Engagement
The Nigerian military faces a critical test in managing Jaji Cantonment’s surrounding communities.
Upholding security while respecting civilians’ rights and livelihoods is essential for lasting peace.
Officials must adopt transparency, provide clear evidence defending their actions, and engage residents genuinely rather than through force or denials.
Credibility depends on balancing firmness with fairness.
This episode highlights deeper challenges confronting Nigeria how security forces interact with civilians, address socio-economic grievances, and rebuild trust.
A Test of Military Integrity and Civil Trust
While the military’s vigilance is necessary, it must not come at the cost of alienating the citizens it vows to protect.
For Kaduna State and Nigeria at large, this controversy exemplifies shortcomings in communication, community relations, and the delicate balance between security and human rights.
The Nigerian Army’s next steps will be closely watched. Its commitment to lawful conduct, community safety, and transparency must go beyond words if public confidence is to be restored.
