NDA Alerts Kaduna Residents to Explosive Blasts During Cadets Training Exercise

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has advised residents in communities around its Afaka training area not to panic over loud explosions expected during a military training exercise scheduled for Saturday.

The Academy said it will conduct an inter-company obstacle crossing competition for Short Service Cadets as part of its routine military training programme.

In a statement issued on Friday, the NDA's Public Relations Officer, Maj. Reuben Kovangiya, said the exercise will take place between 6:00 a.m and 11:00 p.m at the Academy's Afaka facility.

According to him, the day-and-night exercise is designed to assess the cadets ability to negotiate obstacles under simulated combat conditions.

Kovangiya disclosed that controlled explosive blasts would be used during the training and urged members of the public not to be alarmed.

He specifically advised residents of Mando, Tsamiya, Kauya and Afaka communities to be aware of the scheduled activity, noting that the exercise would be confined to the NDA Afaka training area.

The Academy assured residents that all necessary safety measures have been put in place to ensure the exercise is conducted safely and without incident.

Kovangiya also appealed to the public and the media to help disseminate the information to prevent unnecessary panic among residents living near the training area.