By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – We wish to appeal for cooperation from the local communities directly affected by our Exercise and Nigerians as a whole as we train future military leaders for our Armed Forces, Major Victor Olukoya, Spokesman for the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), said in a statement as Army begins Camp Highland in Plateau, Kaduna States.
The exercise according to the spokesman is the final outdoor exercise used to ascertain the level of preparedness of the final year Army Cadets before their Commissioning as Officers in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“The training will include Physical Fitness, Leadership Skills, Map Reading, Command and Control capabilities, as part of requirements for the final year Army Cadets”, Olukoya said.
The Exercise is for 70 Regular Course Army cadets and Air Force Regiment and Direct Short Service Course 27 Army and Course 31 Airforce, commencing from 30 July – 11 August 2023, the NDA Spokesman continued.
According to him: “The Exercise is designed to test the cadets’ leadership skills, physical fitness, as well as command and control abilities, among other military competencies.
“The Exercise is an important military training activity used in ascertaining the preparedness of the cadets for Commissioning as Officers into the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“Phases of the Exercise that would take place in Plateau State include Map Reading Exercise at Heipang and Adventure Training at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, Jos from 30 July – 4 August 2023.
“Tactical Drills and Battle Inoculation Drills would take place in Kachia general area from 31 Jul- 11 August 2023”, said.
Army said residents of the affected areas in Plateau and Kaduna States should not panic but go about their daily routine without fear, as heavy duty vehicles and military personnel will be seen in the general area within the duration of the exercise.
“Communities living around Heipang in Barkin Ladi and Shere Hills in Jos, Plateau State are enjoined not to panic on seeing mass movement of military personnel, vehicles and equipment in the general area, as well as residents of Katul Crossing – Fadan Kaaanta axis in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State will observe same tactical drills involving firing /simulation of small arms and artillery fire from 31 July – 11 August 2023.
“Residents in the general areas mentioned above are therefore advised not to panic but to go about their normal daily routine activities without fear”, the statement reads in parts.
