Factsheet: Planned Conduct of Exercise Ayem Akpatuma by the Nigerian Army from February 15 – March 31, 2018
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.
Press Release: President Buhari Set To Participate in Counter-Terrorism Meeting in Jordan
President Muhammadu Buhari will December 2-3, 2017, join other Heads of State in Aqaba, Jordan, to review strategies in fighting terrorism, and reinforce joint security structures that will be more proactive in preventing attacks.
Tagged, AQABA RETREAT, the meeting, hosted by His Majesty, King Abdullah II of Jordan, is expected to be attended by West African Heads of State, representatives of governments of 48 countries and a number of key Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
At the meeting, the President is expected to share Nigeria’s experience on terrorism and its spread across West Africa, with a view to soliciting more support for pre-emptive measures that will neutralise the activities of insurgents in the sub-region.
The Nigerian leader will also hold bilateral meetings with some Heads of State to strengthen relations.
President Buhari and his delegation will attend the official dinner to be hosted by King Abdullah II in honour of visiting Heads of State and their delegations.
The President will be accompanied to Jordan by the governors of Kogi, Osun and Niger States; the Ministers of Defence, Education, Foreign Affairs; the National Security Adviser, and the Acting Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity)
November 30, 2017