The Nigerian Army has said it is set to commence different routine training exercises across the nation to combat the spate of insecurity.
According to a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Sagir Musa, Operations Ayem Akpatuma II, Egwu Eke IV, and Crocodile Smile IV will cut across the six geo-political zones of the country.
The exercises are expected to start concurrently from October 7 to December 24, 2019.
”The exercises are Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA II in the North Central and parts of North Western States of Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi and Taraba, as well as Kaduna and Niger States in 1 and 3 Divisions Area of Responsibilities (AOR), including Headquarters Command Army Records, Guards Brigade and 707 Special Forces Brigade; Exercise EGWU EKE IV which will be carried out in the South Eastern part of Nigeria comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States in 82 Division AOR; while Exercise CROCODILE SMILE IV will as usual take place in the South South and parts of South Western States of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun and Rivers States in 2, 6, 81 and 82 Divisions’ AOR,” the statement read.
The Army further revealed that Operation Positive Identification will be extended to other parts ”to checkmate bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, ethnic militia, cattle rustlers, as well as other sundry crimes across the various regions of Nigeria”.
Moreover, the Nigerian Army Women Corps will stage a robust show of force and confidence building patrols in some selected locations in Nigeria.
In its quest to solidify military/civilian relations, the Army is also planning free medical outreach, educational outreach, rehabilitation of identified dilapidated roads, hospitals, schools and old peoples homes in various selected communities in Nigeria, while the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association will visit and donate to motherless babies homes and other identified disadvantaged groups.
The statement reassured citizens of the Army’s commitment and determination to secure the country, while urging them to go about their lawful businesses during the exercises.