By; IBRAHIM DAHIRU DANFULANI
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is set to conduct its final outdoor field Training Exercise for its regular and short service Cadets.
The cadets are of the 70 Regular Course Army, Airforce Regiment and Direct Short Service Course 27 Army and Course 31 Airforce nicked named Exercise Camp Highland in Plateau and Kaduna States from July 30 to August 11, 2023.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday July 29 in Kaduna by the NDA Public Relations Officer (PRO), Maj. Victor Olukoya.
Olukoya explained that the exercise is designed to test the cadets’ leadership skills, physical fitness, as well as command and control abilities, among other military competencies.
He said 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.
He further explained that phases of the exercise that would take place in Plateau State, including Map Reading Exercise at Heipang and Adventure Training at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, Jos from July 30 to August 4, 2023.
Olukoya added that Tactical Drills and Battle Inoculation Drills would take place in Kachia general area from July 31 to August 11, 2023.
He said consequently, communities living around Heipang and Shere Hills, Jos in Plateau State would observe mass movement of military personnel, vehicles and equipment in the general area from 30th of July to 4th August 2023.
“Similarly, residents of KATUL CROSSING – FADAN KAMANTA 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 31st July to 11th of August 2023,” he added.
The PRO therefore, advised residents in the general areas not to panic but to go about their normal daily routine activities without fear.
He also urged them on reporting any breach of security to the nearest authorities.
He noted that Battle Inoculation, which would involve live firing of small arms, amour and artillery weapons would be conducted from 8th to 11th of August 2023 within the Military Exercise Area near Nigerian Army Base Camp, Kachia.
He therefore, urged locals around ANINKWA, INSAME and neighboring communities 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,”Olukoya added.
He appealed for cooperation from the local communities directly affected by the Exercise and Nigerians as a whole, noting that the Academy is training future military leaders for the nation’s Armed Forces.
