Bandits wreaking havoc in Abuja and nearby regions have reportedly found refuge in the Kajuru forest, situated in the Southern Kaduna area of Kaduna State.
Once a military training ground, this forest has become a haven for criminals since it was abandoned by the military.
Security insiders reveal that the Kajuru forest, formerly used for training military personnel, is now a base for kidnappers and other criminals causing chaos in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas.
Despite past efforts by the military to curb criminal activities in the region, the absence of a consistent military presence has allowed the bandits to regroup and resume their unlawful operations.
A military source explained, “Kidnappers and other criminals terrorising the Federal Capital Territory are presently camped in the Kajuru forest. Kajuru is the headquarters of the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The forest has become a haven for bandits and kidnappers.
“In fact, the military had killed and arrested scores of these criminal elements in the area in the past. But you see, the more they are arrested, the more they return since the military has abandoned their camp in the town.”
Quest Times also learned that Southern Kaduna, known for its numerous forests, has become a hotspot for criminal activities.
The bandits, well aware of the military’s nationwide anti-terrorism efforts, have chosen Kajuru as their strategic meeting point.
Armed and dangerous, they pose a significant threat to anyone who opposes their criminal endeavours.
Despite these reports, the Defence Headquarters has insisted that the Kajuru camp is still in use for training troops and conducting special operations.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated, “The Nigerian Army still makes effective use of all its training areas. The specific nature of training is conducted on terrains that meet the requirements of such training. Accordingly, the Kajuru training area is still very much in use and currently serves as a staging area for our Forward Operating Base in Kajuru.”