By Milcah Tanimu

The Nigerian Army has issued a statement urging residents of Enugu State to remain calm if they observe significant troop movements towards the Udi Local Government Area and its neighboring council areas.

Addressing concerns regarding potential gunshot sounds, particularly in the Udi council area, the Army emphasized that these occurrences, starting from March 18, should not alarm residents.

The announcement, conveyed by the acting Deputy Director of 82 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, clarified that the troop mobilization and gunfire are part of a routine Army training exercise known as the Range Classification Exercise. This exercise is scheduled to take place from March 18 to March 21 at the Army Training Area in Udi.

Unuakhalu reassured the public, especially those residing in Ogbede, Ukehe, Umoka, Afa, Ochima, and Onyohor communities, that the troop movements and gunfire during the specified dates are planned activities and not indicative of any imminent threat.

Residents were further advised to steer clear of the designated range area for the duration of the exercise due to the use of live ammunition.

Explaining the purpose of the exercise, Unuakhalu stated, “In line with Army Headquarters Training Directives for Year 2024, 82 Division Nigerian Army will commence its First Quarter Range Classification Exercise from March 18 to March 21, 2024, at the Army Training Area in Udi LGA. The exercise is aimed at improving weapon proficiency and marksmanship skills of personnel as well as ascertaining the serviceability of weapons of the unit not deployed in operations.”