Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), took a significant step today by officially commencing three simultaneous training exercises.
These exercises, namely EXERCISE STILL WATERS 3, GOLDEN DAWN 3, and ENDURING PEACE 3, have been initiated to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property as the year approaches its end.
The primary objective of these exercises is to address the security challenges prevailing in the South South, South East, South West, and North Central regions of Nigeria.
They are set to be conducted concurrently in their respective geographical zones until the end of the year.
During the launch, General Lagbaja emphasized that these exercises are designed to counter various emerging security issues specific to the affected regions.
The aim is to mitigate the escalation of such challenges, especially in the last quarter of the year when many Nigerians travel across the country for the holiday season.
This underscores the necessity for a secure and accommodating environment for citizens to conduct their lawful activities without fear or apprehension.
General Lagbaja also urged the troops to carry out their duties diligently while adhering to the law and prescribed codes of conduct.
He stressed the importance of not becoming a problem for the very citizens they are striving to protect.
Furthermore, the COAS inaugurated “EXERCISE CLEAN SWEEP” at the Ikeja Cantonment in Lagos.
This operation is aimed at clearing Unexploded Explosive Ordnances from the site of the unfortunate 2002 bomb blast that occurred at the Nigerian Army Cantonment in Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos.
The objective of this exercise is to completely decontaminate the epicenter of the Ikeja bomb blast and remove all verified and suspected remaining Unexploded Explosive Ordnances in the cantonment area.
The initial clearance operations had improved safety in the area, but recent discoveries of Unexploded Explosive Ordnances necessitated this follow-up clearance exercise, which will span 61 days.
General Lagbaja assured the public, particularly those in Lagos and Ogun states, that there is no cause for alarm when they witness military vehicle movements or hear controlled explosions during the exercise. Adequate safety measures are in place to ensure a safe operation.
Additionally, various emergency and response agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, State Emergency Management Agency, and medical personnel, will collaborate to ensure the exercise’s success.
General Lagbaja expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for unwavering support and emphasized that such unfortunate incidents will not be repeated in Nigerian Army Cantonments.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, represented by Mr Tayo Ayinde, the Oba of Onigbongbo Kingdom, HRH Oba Adeyemi Ajasa, Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, and heads of security agencies in Lagos state, among others.
Afterward, the COAS paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, and also visited Headquarters 192 Battalion in Owode, Ogun State.
