The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has announced plans to conduct its final outdoor field training exercise for officer cadets, urging residents of parts of Plateau and Kaduna States to remain calm as military activities take place.
The exercise, tagged “Exercise Camp Highland 2026,” is scheduled to run from July 26 to August 15 and will involve cadets from the Army’s 73 Regular Course and Short Service Course 49.
The Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Maj. Reuben Kovangiya, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, explaining that the training is aimed at assessing the cadets’ leadership abilities, physical endurance, command skills and other military capabilities before their formal commissioning into the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to him, the exercise will be carried out across locations in Plateau and Kaduna States, with the first phase featuring adventure training at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, and map-reading drills at Heipang, Jos, between July 27 and August 2.
He added that the tactical operations and battle inoculation stages would take place in Kachia, Kaduna State, from August 3 to August 15.
The NDA spokesperson noted that residents around Shere Hills and Heipang in Jos should expect increased movement of soldiers, military vehicles and equipment during the first phase of the exercise.
He further stated that communities including Katul-Crossing, Antai, Gadanji, Unguwan Rege and the Maro axis in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State would also witness troop movements as well as sounds from small arms and artillery exercises between July 31 and August 15.
Maj. Kovangiya explained that the battle inoculation exercise, which will involve live ammunition, armoured vehicles and artillery, is scheduled for August 14 within the military training area close to the Nigerian Army Base Camp in Kachia.
He advised residents of Aninkwa, Insame and nearby communities to keep away from the designated firing range throughout the exercise period.
The NDA urged members of the public not to panic, assuring them that adequate safety measures had been implemented to protect residents and surrounding communities.
The Academy also encouraged people to continue their normal activities while remaining alert and reporting any security concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Maj. Kovangiya appealed for the cooperation and understanding of residents throughout the duration of the military exercise.