The Nigerian Army has assured residents of Enugu State that there is no cause for alarm despite the anticipated heavy movement of troops and equipment, along with the sound of gunfire, between March 17 and March 20.
In a statement issued in Enugu on Thursday, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, explained that the activity is part of a scheduled range classification exercise by Nigerian Army personnel. This exercise is in accordance with the Army Headquarters Training Directives for 2025
Key Points:
- Timeframe: The exercise will run from Monday, March 17 to Thursday, March 20, 2025.
- Location: It will take place at the Army Training Area in Udi Local Government Area, just outside the Enugu metropolis.
- Purpose: The exercise aims to enhance the shooting skills of officers and soldiers, as well as to assess the operational readiness and serviceability of various weapons.
Lt.-Col. Unuakhalu assured the public, particularly residents of the communities of Ogbede, Ukehe, Umoka, Affa, Ochima, and Onyohor in Udi LGA, that there is no need to panic over the military activities.
- Public Advisory: Residents are advised to stay clear of the range area throughout the exercise period as it will involve live ammunition.
- Community Relations: Lt.-Col. Unuakhalu expressed gratitude for the public’s usual cooperation and conveyed the warm regards of the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army.
The range classification exercise is a critical part of the Army’s training regimen, designed to ensure that personnel are proficient in marksmanship and ready to deploy weapons effectively when required. Such exercises are standard practice in many military organizations globally, serving both to maintain high standards of training and to test the functionality of military equipment.
It’s essential for the residents to remain calm and follow the Army’s directives to ensure their safety and support the successful completion of the exercise. The Nigerian Army continues to prioritize the security and preparedness of its personnel to better serve and protect the nation.
