The Nigerian Defence Academy-NDA says it will conduct its final outdoor field training exercise for Army cadets of 71 regular course and Direct short service course 28 codenamed “Camp Highland” in Kaduna and Plateau States from 28th July to 17th August this year.
According to a statement by the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Major Mohammed Maidawa, the exercise is designed to assess the cadets leadership skills, application of tactics, command and control capabilities, physical fitness, amongst other areas of military training.
It explains that the exercise is an important military training activity used in ascertaining the preparedness of the cadets for commissioning as officers into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
It notes that the first phase of the exercise that will take place in Plateau State is the adventure and leadership training at the citizenship and leadership training centre, Shere hills, from the 28th of July to 3rd August.
Furthermore, map reading, tactical drills and battle inoculation drills will take place in Kachia general area from 3rd-16th of August.
The statement points out that communities living around Shere hills in Plateau State will observe mass movement of military personnel, vehicles and equipment in the general area from 29th July to 2nd August.
Similarly, residents of Katul Crossing -Fadan Kamantan axis in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State will observe same tactical drills involving firing/simulation of small arms and artillery fire from 12th to 13th August, while battle inoculation will be conducted on 16th August within the military exercise area near Nigerian Army base camp, Kachia.
The statement advises residents in the affected areas not to panic, but to go about their normal daily routine activities without fear, and report any breach of security to the nearest authorities.
It also advises locals around Aninkwa, Insame and neighbouring communities to stay away from the live firing area during the period of the exercise, while necessary safety measures and arrangements have been put in place to ensure safety in the exercise areas.
The statement appeals for necessary co-operation from the local communities directly affected by the exercise and Nigerians as a whole, as the NDA train future military leaders for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
PR/Usman Sani
