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Jaji land dispute: Army says compromise on cantonment boundaries could undermine national defence architecture

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Jaji land dispute: Army says compromise on cantonment boundaries could undermine national defence architecture

By: Zagazola Makama

The sprawling Jaji Military Cantonment in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State has for decades been one of the most important defence institutions in Nigeria. It houses the Infantry Corps Centre (ICC) and the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) both pivotal to training officers of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces.

But in recent years, the facility has become the centre of a bitter land dispute involving surrounding communities such as Labar Wusono, Hayin Mallam Auta, Ungwan Yahanna, Ungwan Aboki, Ungwan Railway, Ungwan Alhassan, and Ungwan Loya.

The communities have petitioned authorities, accusing the military of land grabbing, displacement, disconnection of electricity, demolition of homes, and disruption of their livelihoods. Several suits are currently pending before the High Court of Kaduna State and the Federal High Court, Kaduna Judicial Division.

The Army, however, insists that its actions are lawful, necessary, and in line with constitutional responsibilities to safeguard critical military installations, maintain national security, and protect lives within and outside the cantonment.

How encroachment started

Most of Nigeria’s cantonments were built in the 1960s and 1970s when cities were relatively small. Land reserves were deliberately left around them as buffer zones for military training, firing ranges, and security purposes.

However, rapid population growth, urban sprawl, poor enforcement of zoning regulations, and alleged connivance of land officials created loopholes. Over time, civilian houses, shops, schools, and even worship centres started springing up in spaces originally earmarked for military use.

In some instances, unscrupulous traditional rulers and community leaders reportedly sold parcels of land within military reserve areas, ignoring the fact that such lands had been gazetted for security purposes.

Land ownership and litigations

At the heart of the dispute is whether the contested villages and farmlands fall within the 3,333.23 hectares of land acquired and allocated to the Nigerian Army by the Federal Government of Nigeria, with compensation for land economic trees and buildings on the site acquired by NASI duly paid from 1984 up to 1987 and subsequent years.

Despite these military records, it is still defending multiple suits, including: SUIT NO: KDH/KAD/328/2018 filed by Alhaji Saminu and 266 others against the Army, in which claimants insist on ownership of six communities within the cantonment. SUIT NO: KDH/KAD/629/2023, in which Hon. Bashir Idris Aliyu claims ownership of over 61 hectares in Labar Village. SUIT NO: FHC/KD/CS/74/2025, a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Alh. Idris Hassan and six others against the Chief of Defence Staff and others, alleging harassment and rights violations.

The Army maintains that since these matters are sub judice, it has carefully abided by all subsisting court orders, including injunctions requiring both parties to maintain status quo. Beyond the legal battles, the Army says its core concern is the grave security risk posed by unchecked encroachment. The Jaji Cantonment, it argues, is not just another barracks, it is a strategic tri-service training centre hosting sensitive operational facilities. Its porous flanks have, however, enabled criminal elements including Boko Haram and bandits to penetrate and compromise security.

Security Breaches by Terrorists in Jaji Cantonment

To back this, the army cites a disturbing history of security breaches: November 25, 2012: Terrorists attacked the Jaji Military Cantonment using multiple suicide bombers, resulting in significant loss of life, severe IED-induced injuries, and destruction of military equipment and properties. In 2001, a senior officer, Commander Ogunlana, was brutally murdered within Majors’ Quarters by individuals traced to one of the encroaching communities. On 24 June 2021, bandits invaded the cantonment’s ranch, stealing cattle under the Army’s Investment Initiative Programme. On 23 August 2021, Lt. L.O. Ogunleti was killed at his residence within Officers’ Quarters. March 1, 2022: Terrorists killed almost 70 people in the Jaji general area in Kerawa. Again, terrorists ambush Army troops in Jura where soldiers were killed. There have also been recurring cases of theft, assaults, and vandalism incidents, the Army attributes to unrestricted civilian access through the exposed boundaries. Just recently, a mop Operation carried out by NDELA within the encroached communities led to the arrest of over 30 drug dealers and recoveries of large quantities of hard drugs and psychotropic substances. It was discovered after further findings based on Intelligence that the three top drug barons supplying drugs to Kaduna city and Zaria lives inside Jaji cantonment, making it difficult for the NDLEA or the police to carry out any arrest. Additionally, there have been: Killing of military personnel linked to banditry and other crimes. There was also several threats by terrorists to infiltrate and attack the Jaji Military Cantonment,which houses various formations, including: Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Infantry Corps Center, Nigerian Army Infantry School, Nigerian Army Warrant Officers Academy and the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Center. This is aside a fighting troops against terrorists and bandits operating from Jaji Military Cantonment referred to as Demonstration Battalion to students but because of the threats of terrorists and bandits and infiltration via these illegal squatters on the Cantonment, they were given additional role of Internal Security in the general area.

“These breaches confirm the existential danger of leaving the cantonment exposed. Fencing and regulated access were not arbitrary decisions; they were measures to safeguard personnel, residents, and critical military assets,” a senior officer at ICC said.

In response to repeated security incidents, the Army embarked on the fencing of the cantonment. According to documents reviewed by Zagazola team, the project was preceded by consultations with the host communities, culminating in agreements that gates would be installed to allow access to farmlands and settlements. Military authorities maintain that the fence does not deny the communities access, nor does it contravene any court order. Instead, it is designed to channel movement through controlled entry points, enhancing surveillance and preventing criminal infiltration. But unfortunately, the civilian settlers continue to destroy the fences and sneaked in through the backs channels.

Furthermore, the Army insists it has respected the 2018, 2019 and 2021 court orders directing both parties to maintain status quo, even as it accuses some claimants of breaching the same orders by embarking on new constructions and illegal mining activities. In one instance, the Army alleged that some community leaders, acting in connivance with a Chinese construction company, CCECC Nigeria Limited, illegally authorised excavation of laterite soil inside the cantonment, receiving over ₦85 million in payment, despite lacking legal ownership rights. This fraudulent activities was carried out with the connivance of a former Commisioner of the Kaduna State Government. The Army has since sought an interlocutory injunction to restrain further mining.

Relocation of markets and electricity disputes

Another point of friction has been the closure of informal markets within the cantonment. The Army explained that this was a deliberate security measure advised by intelligence reports warning of terrorist plots against military installations in Kaduna. Shop owners and traders, including those from affected communities, were relocated to the designated Mammy Market, with palliatives such as food items distributed to cushion the effect. On the allegation of power disconnection, the Army said investigations revealed widespread illegal connections from the cantonment’s electricity supply, which disrupted power to official facilities and affected military operations. The responsibility, it argues, lies with appropriate civil agencies to regularise the communities’ supply rather than allowing continued illegal tapping from military lines.

Military’s justification

Military officials stress that their actions are consistent with the constitutional mandate of the Armed Forces to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and internal security. The Jaji Cantonment is a critical training ground for the Armed Forces. Leaving it vulnerable to encroachment, illegal settlements, and criminal infiltration is not just a military issue it is a national security risk. “The danger is twofold: first, it weakens military training and readiness, and second, it creates vulnerabilities that hostile groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits and other criminals can exploit.”an Infantry Corps official said.
“When civilian settlements are inside the barracks, troops are forced to limit live firing exercises or suspend some forms of training altogether. This reduces combat preparedness, especially for soldiers fighting insurgency. Even more dangerous is the risk of infiltration. Terrorists, bandits or saboteurs can blend in with civilian communities gather intelligence on troop movements, training or stage surprise attacks. Even when we are training, you will see the people of the communities taken our photos and videos. “You cannot run an effective counterinsurgency when the enemy can set up surveillance points just inside your cantonment because civilians have encroached on the land.”said the infantry corps official.

The Army also insists that contrary to allegations of rights abuses, it has exercised restraint, relying on legal processes and refraining from forceful evictions while awaiting court rulings. “Those who abuse this order are the communities, because even as the court has given stay of execution, the residents continue biulding houses and expanding the communities with impunity.

Strain on civil–military relations

Encroachment has also strained relations between the military and host communities. Whenever the Army attempts to demolish illegal structures or reclaim land, it often sparks protests and accusations of insensitivity. They have strong backing of politicians and some elements within the Kaduna State government. This was why the government of Kaduna refused to respond, despite promises they made and assurances that the communities will be relocated to another settlement.

Civil rights advocates argue that some civilians encroached unknowingly, having bought land from individuals who presented forged documents. Others knowingly took the risk, hoping that urbanisation would eventually legitimise their claims. But the military insists the law is clear: lands legally gazetted for security purposes remain under the ownership of the Federal Government, and no civilian sale or allocation can override that. “You will hear them saying in the news that these communities are situated in “Igabi along Zaria-Kaduna road”. But no one will tell you that they are laboring in the middle of the cantonment.

The road ahead

With multiple cases still in court, the matter is far from resolved. The dispute pointed to the wider problem of encroachment on military lands across the country, a development that threatens both community safety and national defence readiness.

The Military high command have repeatedly stressed that safeguarding cantonments is not negotiable. In a statement earlier this year, The Army said it will continue to protect its land and installations from encroachment. We owe it to the nation to preserve our operational readiness and secure our assets. The balance we seek is between security and civil co-existence. But the security of our nation and its Armed Forces must remain paramount,” said Army top Command

For now, the Army is adopting a twin-track approach: engagement with communities on one hand, and firm enforcement of land rights on the other. But the message from military authorities is clear cantonments are not just lands, they are strategic assets tied directly to the survival and sovereignty of Nigeria

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Counter Insurgency Expert in the Lake Chad Region.
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Bandits kill one, abduct 14 in Zamfara communities

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Bandits kill one, abduct 14 in Zamfara communities

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits have killed one person, injured three others, and abducted at least 14 villagers in separate attacks on Jangebe and Keta communities of Talata Mafara and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

Zagazola learnt that the first attack occurred at about 4 a.m. on Sunday, when a group of heavily armed bandits invaded Fakon Idi area in Jangebe District of Talata Mafara LGA.

“The bandits shot dead one person and injured three others before abducting four individuals to an unknown destination,” the sources stated.

“Upon receipt of the distress call, troops of Operation Fansa Yamma, police and local vigilantes mobilised to the scene and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into the nearby forest,” said the sources.

Sources said the corpse of the deceased had been handed over to relatives for burial, while the injured victims were receiving treatment at the Jangebe Primary Health Care Centre.

In a separate development, about ten villagers from Keta town were abducted while being forced to work on a bandits’ farm located between Keta and Kwaren Ganuwa villages in Tsafe LGA.

Sources revealed that at about 12:05 p.m. on Sunday, another notorious bandits’ kingpin, identified as Babangida Bature Yola, stormed the farm with his gang and abducted the villagers to an undisclosed location.

Authorities said efforts were ongoing to rescue all abducted victims and restore normalcy to the affected areas.

Bandits kill one, abduct 14 in Zamfara communities

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Nigeria Requests Evacuation of Jailed Pastor Egbaji from Benin Republic Over Deteriorating Health

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Nigeria Requests Evacuation of Jailed Pastor Egbaji from Benin Republic Over Deteriorating Health

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has expressed concern over the failing health of one of its national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, currently facing trial in neighbouring, Republic of Benin.

Egbaji, a businessman and cleric from Cross River State, has for about two years been detained in a hospital in Cotonou, the Beninese capital under dehumanising conditions while his health is said to deteriorating.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Tuesday called on the Benin authorities to release the Nigerian national so that he could have better medical care and also serve out his sentence in Nigeria.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said discussions with the Nigerian Mission in Cotonou, indicated that Pastor Egbaji’s health is steadily worsening and he needs urgent and proper medical attention.

She stated that the Ministry had made spirited effort to rescue the troubled Egbaji in line with the citizen diplomacy thrust of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

The minister who had early August visited Egbaji in the Cotonou hospital alongside the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, disclosed that the Ministry had requested the transfer of the Nigerian national to receive the deserved medical care and serve out his custodial term in Nigeria.

She explained that Nigeria was worried over the pace of Beninese authorities is taking to address the situation and acceding to Nigeria’s request.

She asked the Beninese authorities to consent to Nigeria’s request and accelerate the release of the detained Nigerian pastor in regards to the longstanding cordial relations existing between the two countries, founded on shared cultural heritage, bonds of trust, mutual respect, and a spirit of brotherhood,

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also disclosed that Nigeria’s position was further highlighted in a recent letter to the Republic of Benin Government.

She said: “It is against this backdrop of solidarity and mutual goodwill that I seek Your Excellency’s kind consideration regarding the plight of a Nigerian national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who has been serving a custodial sentence in Cotonou since October 2023 for a jail term of 10 years. As Your Excellency may be aware, Pastor Egbaji has been in Benin Republic for over three decades, contributing meaningfully as an entrepreneur, pastor, and community leader.

“Regrettably, his health has deteriorated severely while in detention. Two independent medical experts appointed by the court recently recommended that he be transferred abroad for urgent medical care, as local interventions have proved ineffective.

“In the spirit of our longstanding friendship and in recognition of the humanitarian imperative, not being unmindful of the grievous nature of the offence he is charged with, we kindly request that Pastor Egbaji be repatriated to Nigeria to serve out the remainder of his sentence in a Nigerian Correctional Centre,” she stated.

She however reiterated that this gesture would demonstrate in practical terms the enduring spirit of fraternity and cooperation that bind Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

Nigeria Requests Evacuation of Jailed Pastor Egbaji from Benin Republic Over Deteriorating Health

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President Tinubu Orders Reduction Of 2026 Hajj Fare

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President Tinubu Orders Reduction Of 2026 Hajj Fare

*As VP Shettima gives NAHCON 2 days to effect president’s directive

By: Our Reporter

Following the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for an immediate review of the 2026 Hajj fares, Vice President Kashim Shettima has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to come up with new fares for the exercise within two days.

This, the Vice President said, had become necessary considering continued appreciation of the naira against the dollar – a primary determinant for the pilgrimage fares.

VP Shettima who handed down the President’s directive on Monday during a meeting with management and board members of NAHCON at the Presidential Villa, called for synergy among national and state officials, including state Governors, in streamlining and adopting a new set of fares for the exercise.

He aslo urged prompt action by all stakeholders to ensure quick payments and timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate a hitch-free exercise.

Fielding questions from journalists shortly after the meeting with the VP, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said the meeting convened at the instance of the Vice President was to finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj operations, particularly the determination of fares for the 2026 exercise.

He explained that the goal is to reduce the amount payable by pilgrims for the exercise, given the current trend in the economy occasioned by ongoing reforms being undertaken by the Tinubu administration.

He said, “Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating based on the effects of the economic reforms of the government. The Vice President felt that if pilgrims paid ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million based on negative exchange rate last year, and the exchange rate has improved, then the changes should reflect in the current fares, and the benefits should also be passed to the prospective pilgrims.

“So, the commissions and all officers of the Hajj commission are here and they have been told to immediately go to look at more realistic exchange rates. If we achieve what we envisage, then we will have a very significant reduction in the Hajj.”

On his part, Secretary of the National Hajj commission (NAHCON), Dr Mustapha Mohammad, said the President’s directive would increase the number of intending pilgrims for this year’s exercise.

“It is a welcome development and the lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. So, as directed by the Vice President, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to see that we reduce it to the barest minimum and affordable rate for every Muslim faithful to have the opportunity to perform this very important pillar of Islam.”

Also, the Chairman, Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman, Forum of the Chief Executive of 36 and the FCT Chairmen of pilgrims Board, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, expressed delight with the presidential directive.

“We are very happy because the President and the Vice President have already intervened. We thank God for what they have said, which is expected to bring down the cost of Hajj fare. So, we are happy,” he said

President Tinubu Orders Reduction Of 2026 Hajj Fare

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