From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Nigerian Army at the weekend began a Field Training Exercise, tagged: ”EX AYEM AKPATUMA 11”, and vowed to flush out criminals from their various hideouts across Kogi State.
Our Correspondent reports that the exercise AYEM AKPATUM II will be conducted simultaneously in Kogi, Taraba, Nassarawa and Benue States respectively from Nov 1 to Dec. 23, 2019.
Major Nick Ejeh, the Intelligence Officer, Command Army Records (CARs), at the flag-off ceremony at Irepene Super Military Camp in Adavi LGA, said the exercise was introduced to fish out criminals from their various hideouts to ensure safety of lives and property in Kogi and other north central States
He added that the exercise which involved the military and all other security agencies, would last from Nov. 1 to Dec. 23, 2019 across the 21 local government areas of Kogi.
According to him, information confirmed there were importation of thugs into Kogi State for the purpose of disrupting the November elections by the political parties, candidate and their agitators.
He assured that the exercise would help to fish out kidnappers, arm banditry and all other criminals from their various hideouts to ensure safety of lives and property especially before, during and after the election in the state.
He added that the army would also during the period offer free medical outreach for the people and do some other community development projects.
Lt. Col. Gabriel Odewusi, the Operation Officer CARs, noted that the exercise would to bring in all the security agencies which would be taken place simultaneously in eight operational sectors across all the 21 LGAs of Kogi.
He added that the exercise would also foster the existing relationship between the military, paramilitary and other security agencies and the people of Kogi State.
He noted that the Nigerian Navy would also be carrying out aggressive patrol along the waterways during the exercise as a away of fluxing out the criminals.
Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, who flagged off the exercise, commended the military and other security agencies for the gesture, saying it would go a long way in ensuring peace, law and other in Kogi.
He noted that his administration had achieved a lot in reducing the trend of insecurity across the state to the barest minimum.
He assured that the state government would continue to give its maximum cooperation and all the needed support to the best of his ability as the chief security officer of the state to ensure that the exercise would have a lasting impact in the lives of the people of Kogi.
Our Correspondent also reports that the Commander of CARs, Major General Bamidele Ogunkale, conducted the governor and heads of all the security agencies who were present at flag-off, round the different sections within the camp.
