Nigerian Army Ends Exercise Ayem Akpatuma

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

The Nigerian Army has ended exercise Ayem Akpatuma in Benue, Taraba and Kogi states. The operation lasted for three months.

It was reported that the exercise aimed at training soldiers that will protect vulnerable areas from armed bandits and herdsmen.

In a statement signed by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, the exercise was also aimed at further sustaining Nigerian Army’s constitutional roles of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria as well as aiding the civil authority to maintain peace and security.

He said, “Exercise “AYEM AKPATUMA” recorded tremendous successes inspite challenges. The Exercise was sustained in some areas in order to consolidate on the gains”.

The statement reads further: “Having consolidated on the gains achieved and the Nigerian Army’s effort of ridding the affected areas of militants and other criminal elements, the Army wishes to conclude Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA earlier extended in Benue, Taraba and Kogi States on 14 May 2018.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to express its appreciation to the States government, Traditional Rulers, Religious and Youth leaders as well as other stakeholders for their cooperation and support to the Nigerian Army for the period of the exercise”.

The exercise began at the peak of the killings in the north central states of Benue and Kogi and extended to Taraba.