Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) says it will conduct its final outdoor field training exercise for army cadets of short service course 47, codenamed ‘Exercise Camp Highland’ in Plateau and Kaduna states from Jan. 8 to Jan. 29.
NDA’s Public Relations Officer, Maj. Bashir Jajira, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna.
Jajira said that the exercise was designed to test the cadets’ leadership skills, physical fitness as well as command and control abilities, among other military competencies.
He pointed out that the exercise was an important military training activity used in ascertaining the preparedness of the army cadets for commissioning as officers into the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to him, phases of the exercise that will take place in Plateau include map reading exercise at Heipang and adventure training at Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, Jos, from Jan. 8 to Jan. 14.
He further explained that the tactical drills and battle inoculation drills would take place in Kachia general area from Jan. 14 to Jan. 29.
“Consequently, communities living around Heipang and Shere Hills in Jos will observe mass movement of military personnel, vehicles and equipment in the general area from Jan. 8 to Jan. 15.
“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 Jan. 15 to Jan. 19.
“Residents in the general areas mentioned above are, therefore, advised not to panic but go about their normal daily activities without fear.
“They are, however, advised to report any breach of security to the nearest authorities,” he said.
Jajira further stated that battle inoculation, which would involve live firing of small arms as well as amour and artillery weapons, would be conducted from Jan. 20 to Jan. 29 within the military exercise area, near Nigerian Army Base Camp, Kachia.
“Therefore, locals around Aninkwa Insame 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,’’ Jajira said. (NAN)
