Nigerian Army Opens Probe Into Alleged Abuse of 7-Year-Old Girl at Kontagora Military Cantonment!
Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (journalist) | Sele Media Africa
The Nigerian Army has initiated a formal investigation into allegations of abuse involving a seven-year-old girl residing within the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) cantonment in Niger State, military authorities confirmed.
According to an official statement by NATRAC’s Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Major Godfrey Abakpa, the incident was reported on March 4, 2026, after a soldier allegedly heard cries of distress coming from a nearby apartment inside the military barracks.
Upon entering the residence, the soldier reportedly discovered the child being physically assaulted by two women identified as her relatives and guardians. Initial findings indicate that the alleged abuse occurred as a form of punishment related to concerns about the child’s earlier whereabouts.
Reports of Neglect Under Review
Witness accounts suggest the incident may not have been isolated. Investigators are examining claims that the child may have endured broader neglect, including alleged denial of meals and restrictions on access to household facilities. Some residents within the cantonment community reportedly indicated that similar concerns had been raised previously.
The child had reportedly been living with her uncle’s family inside the military facility following the death of her father. Relatives had brought her to the cantonment with the intention of supporting her education and welfare.
Military Police Ordered to Investigate
Following the report, the Commander of the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Major General A.G.L. Haruna, directed the NATRAC Military Police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The girl was subsequently taken to the cantonment’s medical centre for examination and was confirmed to be in stable condition. Authorities also arranged temporary care with another family within the barracks who volunteered to look after her pending the outcome of the investigation.
Military authorities reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to protecting the welfare of children and dependants of service personnel, stressing that any individual found responsible will face appropriate disciplinary or legal consequences in accordance with military regulations and Nigerian law.
Renewed Focus on Child Welfare in Military Communities
The incident has reignited discussions around child protection mechanisms within Nigeria’s military residential communities. Experts say that while cantonments often provide structured environments for personnel and their families, stronger welfare monitoring and reporting systems remain critical to safeguarding vulnerable children.
The Nigerian Army has urged members of the public to allow investigators to complete their work as evidence is gathered and the circumstances surrounding the case are fully established.
Sources: Punch Nigeria, Leadership Newspaper, Sahara Reporters, The Fact Daily.
Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.
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