The Nigerian Army has urged residents of Enugu State not to panic on sighting heavy movement of troops towards Udi Local Government Area and its adjoining council areas.

The army also called on residents, particularly those living in the Udi council area, not to panic on hearing gunshot sounds from March 18.

This is contained in a statement by the acting deputy director, 82 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, on Friday in Enugu.

Mr Unuakhalu said the heavy movement of troops and the gunshot sounds would be part of the army’s training routine called range classification exercise from March 18 to 21 at the army training area in Udi.

He said the public, especially residents of Ogbede, Ukehe, Umoka, Afa, Ochima, and Onyohor communities, should not panic on sighting the heavy movement of troops and on hearing sounds of gunshots on the mentioned dates.

Mr Unuakhalu also advised the residents to stay away from the range area throughout the exercise, as it would involve the use of live ammunition.

“In line with Army Headquarters Training Directives for Year 2024, 82 Division Nigerian Army will commence its first quarter range classification exercise from March 18 to March 21, 2024, at the Army Training Area in Udi LGA.

“The exercise is aimed at improving weapon proficiency and marksmanship skills of personnel, as well as ascertain the serviceability of weapons of the unit not deployed in operations,” Mr Unuakhalu said.

(NAN)