The Nigerian Army has warned that continued encroachment on Jaji Military Cantonment in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State poses a grave risk to national security.
The cantonment, which hosts the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) and Infantry Corps Centre (ICC), has been at the centre of a long-running land dispute with surrounding communities who accuse the military of land grabbing, demolitions, and displacements. Several lawsuits are currently before state and federal courts.
Military authorities insist the 3,333-hectare land was lawfully acquired in the 1980s with compensation paid.
They argue that civilian settlements within the reserve areas have weakened security, citing past incidents including terrorist bombings, bandit attacks, cattle rustling, and killings of personnel.
The Army also links drug trafficking and other crimes to unrestricted civilian access around the cantonment.
In response, the Army began fencing the facility and shutting down informal markets after intelligence reports flagged security risks.
It also accused some community leaders of violating court orders by erecting new structures and engaging in illegal mining in collaboration with private firms.
“The Jaji Cantonment is not just another barracks—it is a strategic hub for training Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
“Leaving it exposed endangers both military readiness and national defence,” a senior officer said.
While maintaining that it has respected all subsisting court orders, the Army insists safeguarding military lands remains non-negotiable.
It says efforts will continue through community engagement and strict enforcement of land rights.
