The Nigerian Army has launched three field training exercises to tackle the security challenges in four geopolitical zones of the country.
These exercises – Still Water, Enduring Peace and Golden Dawn – are to be conducted simultaneously in South-East, South-South, South-West and North-Central regions.
“They will be conducted in collaboration with sister security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, Air Force, Immigration, NDLEA, NSCDC, FRSC, Federal Fire Service, as well as other stakeholders who will provide the necessary support for the exercise,” said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya.
Yahaya, who flagged off the exercises at an event on Monday in Enugu State, believes the exercises will confront the multifaceted and contemporary security challenges prevalent in different parts of the country.
The army chief explained that the aim of the exercises was to restore law and order in the affected regions, as well as create enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
He asked officers and soldiers to remain professional, steadfast and diligent in the discharge of their responsibilities in consonance with the objectives of the exercises.
Yahaya also urged troops to ensure the respect and protection of fundamental human rights of the people in line with the provisions of the Constitution as they discharge their responsibilities.
He called on the people to be law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies in order to restore law and order in the country.
The army chief stated that the exercises, which would later metamorphose into real operations, would witness collaboration with other security agencies in the area of exchange of ideas and sharing of intelligence.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, assured the army chief of the readiness of the Division to combat all security threats and crimes within the region.
He also warned all criminals within the area of responsibility to desist from their atrocious activities or get ready to face the wrath of the law.
Meanwhile, Yahaya presented a patrol vehicle to the 82 Division, saying the gesture was to empower Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) of the army.
“This empowerment scheme will enable the RSMs to effectively carry out their duties as custodians of traditions and regimentation of the NA,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.
The flag-off was witnessed by various commanders, heads, and representatives of other security agencies in Enugu state.
