The Nigerian Army said on Wednesday that it has commenced a 9-day field training exercise involving movement and use of high caliber weapons and equipment in Kaduna and Bauchi states.
The acting director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman said in a statement issued in Bauchi that the exercise, which started on April 12, would end on April 20.
He said the exercise was organised as part of activities to mark the 2016 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Usman said the exercise would commence with the massing up of troops in Bauchi and Kachia, in Kaduna State, before culminating in a simulation exercise at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
He urged the public not to panic on sighting movement of troops and equipment along Kaduna-Kachia-Bauchi roads as well as the areas surrounding Alkaleri forest in Bauchi.
The Army said in another statement issued by its spokesman that troops of 1 Division under the auspices of Operation SHARAN DAJI have cleared suspected armed bandits camps in Zamfara and Katsina States.
Usman said the operation was in continuation of the clearance of all known camps and hideouts of cattle rustlers, armed bandits and other criminals in the northwestern of the country.
According to statement, in Zamfara state the troops raided and destroyed suspected armed bandits camps at Rafe and Ajah forests in Gusau Local Government Area.
He said during the operation the troops killed four bandits while some escaped with gunshot wounds.
Usman said the troops recovered five AK-47 rifles and 11 AK-47 rifle magazine, 205 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and 25 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO).
He added that the troops carried out a joint operation in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State where they arrested 17 cattle rustlers that escaped from Zamfara State.
He added that the troops also recovered 930 cattle, 210 sheep and 20 machetes.
Usman advised the public especially those in Zamfara and Katsina States to be more vigilant and security conscious.
