NDA Cadets Embark on Final Three-Week Leadership and Field Training Exercise

Cadets from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) are preparing for their crucial final Outdoor Field Training Exercise, a rigorous three-week program designed to test their military readiness before commissioning. The exercise, codenamed Exercise Camp Highland, will take place across Plateau and Kaduna States from July 28 to August 17.

Comprehensive Training Program

According to Major Mohammed Maidawa, the academy’s Public Relations Officer, this intensive field training will evaluate cadets from Army Regular Course 72 and Short Service Course 48 across multiple military competencies. The exercise serves as the culminating assessment before these cadets become commissioned officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“The field training is designed to test the cadets’ leadership skills, physical fitness, and command and control abilities, among other military competencies,” Maidawa stated in an official release.

Exercise Phases and Locations

The training program consists of several key phases:

• Adventure and Leadership Training: August 1-5 at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, Jos
• Map Reading Exercise: July 31 at the Nigerian Army Military Training Area
• Tactical Phase: August 6 onwards
• Camp Fire Night and Battle Inoculation Drills: August 14-15 at Nigerian Army Base Camp Kachia

Community Awareness and Safety Measures

The NDA has issued advisories to residents in affected areas, noting that communities around Shere Hills, Jos will observe significant military movements from July 31 to August 5. Similarly, residents near Katul Crossing – Fadan Kamantan axis in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area should expect tactical drills involving simulated small arms and artillery fire between August 12-13.

Major Maidawa emphasized: “Residents in these areas should not panic but continue their normal daily activities. However, they should report any security concerns to local authorities.”

Live Fire Exercises

The most intensive phase, the Battle Inoculation exercise, will involve live firing of small arms, armored vehicles, and artillery weapons from August 15 near the Nigerian Army Base Camp in Kachia. The academy has specifically warned locals around Aninkwa, Insame, and neighboring communities to avoid the live firing area during this period.

“All necessary safety measures have been implemented to ensure exercise safety,” assured Maidawa. “We appeal for cooperation from local communities as we train future military leaders for our Armed Forces.”

Preparing Nigeria’s Next Generation of Military Leaders

This final field exercise represents the culmination of years of rigorous training at Nigeria’s premier military institution. The NDA continues its tradition of producing highly skilled officers capable of addressing the nation’s complex security challenges.

The academy’s leadership emphasizes that such realistic training scenarios are essential for developing the tactical proficiency, decision-making skills, and leadership qualities required of Nigerian military officers in contemporary security operations.

For more details on this training exercise, visit the original article.