Nigerian Defence Academy says it is conducting Exercise Camp Highland in Kaduna and Plateau communities and has advised people to stay away from firing areas and not to panic.

NDA spokesman Mohammed Maidawa said this in a statement issued on Thursday.

“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,” said the statement.

It said the exercise was designed to assess the cadets’ leadership skills, application of tactics, command and control capabilities, and physical fitness, among other military training areas.

The statement added that the exercise is an important military training activity used to ascertain the preparedness of the cadets for commissioning as officers into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The NDA stated that the Plateau exercise would take place at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, Jos, from July 28 to August 3.

It explained that map reading, tactical drills and battle inoculation drills would take place in the Kachia general area from August 3 to 16.

It 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.

The NDA noted that residents of Katul Crossing in Fadan Kamanta axis in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna would observe the same tactical drills involving firing and simulation of small arms and artillery fire from August 12 to 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,” said the NDA. “They are to, however, report any breach of security to the nearest authorities.”

The statement mentioned that battle inoculation, which would involve live firing of small arms, armour and artillery weapons, would be conducted on August 16 within the military exercise area near Nigerian Army Base Camp, 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,” it said.

(NAN)