Today, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), commenced three training exercises concurrently.

In order to safeguard lives and property throughout the federation as the year comes to a close, the exercises being conducted are EXERCISE STILL WATERS 3, GOLDEN DAWN 3, and ENDURING PEACE 3.

The exercises aim to address the security concerns in the South South, South East, South West, and North Central regions of Nigeria. These exercises will be conducted simultaneously in their respective geopolitical zones till the end of the year.

Commencing the Exercise, General Lagbaja asserted that the drills are intended to address various emergent security issues specific to the impacted geopolitical regions, with the aim of reducing the escalation of such challenges often observed in the final quarter of the year. He further stated that during this period, a significant number of Nigerians engage in intercity travel to celebrate the yuletide season. Consequently, it is imperative to establish a secure and conducive atmosphere that allows citizens to do their legitimate activities without experiencing any sense of unease or concern.

However, Gen Lagbaja emphasized the importance of the troops performing their tasks diligently while adhering to the legal framework and prescribed standards of behavior. As per the statement made by the Army Chief, it is imperative that we refrain from being a source of concern for the individuals whom we are endeavoring to safeguard.

Similarly, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) also commenced the initiation of "EXERCISE CLEAN SWEEP" at the Ikeja Cantonment in Lagos. The purpose of this exercise is to eliminate any remaining Unexploded Explosive Ordnances (UXOs) at the location where the regrettable bomb detonation took place in 2002. This incident occurred at the Nigerian Army Cantonment situated in Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos.

During the flag off ceremony, the Army Chief articulated that the primary aim of the exercise is to thoroughly decontaminate the epicenter of the Ikeja bomb incident and eliminate any confirmed or suspected Unexploded Explosive Ordnances present within the cantonment.

The individual highlighted that the initial clearance operations provided a certain level of security in the Cantonment and its surroundings. Furthermore, they emphasized that the recent identification of Unexploded Explosive Ordnances at the blast site necessitated the Nigerian Army to conduct a subsequent clearance exercise in the Cantonment and its surroundings.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) emphasized that the exercise will span a duration of 61 days. He urged the general population, specifically those residing in Lagos and Ogun states, to remain calm and composed upon observing the presence of specialized military vehicles and hearing detonations over the course of the exercise. He provided assurance that adequate safety and security procedures had been implemented to ensure an exercise free from accidents. The individual revealed additional information that, in accordance with internationally recognized standards, various emergency and response organizations, such as the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, State Emergency Management Agency, and medical personnel, will collaborate harmoniously to ensure the successful execution of the exercise.

General Lagbaja sent his gratitude to the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army in the fulfillment of its constitutional obligations. He provided assurance that there will be no recurrence of such regrettable incidents within the Nigerian Army Cantonments.

In attendance at the event were notable individuals including the Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde, representing the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu. Also present was HRH Oba Adeyemi Ajasa, the Oba of Onigbongbo Kingdom, as well as Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, and the Heads of security agencies in Lagos state, among other distinguished guests.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) thereafter conducted a formal visit to His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, the Oba of Lagos, as a gesture of respect. Additionally, the COAS visited the Headquarters of the 192 Battalion located in Owode, Ogun State.