Background:

On February 7, 2018, the Nigerian Army announced that they will be commencing the Exercise Ayem Akpatuma in Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger states.

The exercise is set to last from February 15, 2018 to March 31, 2018 and is aimed at curbing all cases of kidnapping, armed banditry, cattle rustling in Kaduna and Niger states, sundry crimes in Kogi state and herdsmen/farmers clashes in all respective states, especially in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states.  

The exercise will be part of efforts by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to achieve its vision for the Nigerian Army which is “ A Professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles” and will be conducted with the support of other security agencies such as the Department of State Sciences, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The exercise will involve training of military personnel and establishment of Step-Up Brigade Headquarters in the respective states. Focus will be placed on raids, search operations, anti-kidnapping drills, road blocks, check points and humanitarian activities such as medical outreaches.

The Nigerian Army also encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest military formation or any other security agency in the state. Contact details of all Brigade Commanders in addition to the Nigerian Army short code Information and Call Centre 193 will be made public at the start of the exercise.