The Nigerian Defence Academy has announced that it will be carrying out live firing exercises for its cadets in certain areas of Kaduna and Plateau, and is warning local residents to avoid the designated firing zones and not to be alarmed by the activities.
In a statement released on Thursday in Kaduna, Major Mohammed Maidawa, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Defence Academy, announced the information regarding the shooting practice for cadets.
Maidawa said, “The NDA will conduct its final outdoor field training exercise for Army cadets of 71 Regular Course and Direct Short Service Course 28 nicknamed Exercise Camp Highland in Plateau and Kaduna states from July 28 to August 17.”
He said the exercise was designed to assess the cadets’ leadership skills, application of tactics, command and control capabilities, physical fitness, among other areas of military training.
He added 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.
The spokesperson stated that the Plateau exercise would take place at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, Jos from July 28 to August 3.
He explained that map reading, tactical drills and battle inoculation drills would take place in the Kachia general area from August 3 to August 16.
He said communities living around Shere Hills, Jos in Plateau would witness mass movement of military personnel, vehicles and equipment in the general area from July 29 to August 2.
Maidawa noted that residents of Katul Crossing in Fadan Kamanta axis in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State would observe same tactical drills involving firing and simulation of small arms and artillery fire from August 12 to August 13.
“Residents in the general areas mentioned above are, therefore, advised not to panic but to go about their normal daily routine activities without fear.
“They are to, however, report any breach of security to the nearest authourities.”
Major Mohammed Maidawa stated that a battle inoculation exercise, involving the live firing of small arms, armored vehicles, and artillery, is scheduled to take place on August 16 within the designated military exercise area adjacent to the Nigerian Army Base Camp in Kachia.
“Therefore, locals around Aninkwa, Insane and neighbouring communities are advised to stay away from the live firing area during the period of the exercise.
“On our part, all necessary safety measures and arrangements have been put in place to ensure safety in the exercise areas.
“We wish to appeal for cooperation from the local communities directly affected by the exercise and Nigerians as a whole as we train future military leaders for our Armed Forces,” Maidawa said.
