By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Seeking to douse potential public fear, Nigerian Army has urged Enugu State residents not to panic on sighting heavy movement of troops, equipment and hearing of sound of gunshots between March 17 and March 20. 2025.
It explained that the happenings would be part of a planned military exercise within the period in the South-East state of Nigeria.
Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, in a statement in Enugu on Thursday, March 13, said that the exercise would be aspects of a week-long range classification activities by Nigerian Army personnel.
“In line with Army Headquarters’ Training Directives for 2025, 82 Division Nigerian Army will commence its first range classification exercise for the year from Monday, March 17 to Thursday, March 20, 2025.
“The range classification will be taking place at the Army Training Area in Udi Local Government Area (LGA) within the immediate outskirt of Enugu metropolis.
“The exercise is aimed at sharpening the shooting skill of officers and soldiers of the Division as well as to ascertain the serviceability of weapons of the unit not deployed in operations,” he said.
According to him, members of the public, especially residents of Ogbede, Ukehe, Umoka, Affa, Ochima and Onyohor communities in Udi LGA, should not panic on sighting heavy movement of troops and equipment and hearing of gunshots within those dates.
“Similarly, locals are advised to stay away from the range area throughout the exercise as it will involve the use of live ammunition,” Unuakhalu added.
