The Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, has announced that its cadets are preparing for a final outdoor field training exercise. The academy’s Public Relations Officer, Major Victor Olukoya, stated that this exercise, named Exercise Camp Highland, involves the 70 Regular Course Army, Airforce Regiment, and Direct Short Service Course 27 Army, as well as Course 31 Airforce. It will be held in Plateau and Kaduna States from July 30 to August 11, 2023.
During this exercise, the cadets will be tested on various military skills, including leadership, physical fitness, and command and control abilities. The goal is to evaluate their readiness for commissioning as officers into the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Major Olukoya appealed to the residents of Aninkwa, Insame, and nearby communities to remain calm and not be alarmed if they hear gunshots, as this exercise involves live firing. He emphasized the importance of staying away from the live firing area to ensure safety.
The exercise will have different phases in Plateau State. The cadets will undergo 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. Tactical drills and battle inoculation drills will take place in the Kachia general area from July 31 to August 11, 2023.
Residents living around Heipang and Shere Hills in Plateau State are advised to expect a mass movement of military personnel, vehicles, and equipment in the area during the mentioned period.
In the Katul Crossing – Fadan Kamantan axis of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in Kaduna State, tactical drills involving firing simulation of small arms and artillery fire will be conducted from July 31 to August 11, 2023.
Major Olukoya encouraged the residents of these communities to report any security threats they may come across to the nearest authorities.
The live firing of small arms, armor, and artillery weapons, known as battle inoculation, will be conducted from August 8 to August 11, 2023, within the Military Exercise Area near the Nigerian Army Base Camp, Kachia.