The leadership of the Nigerian Army has announced the change of name of its annual military exercise in the southeast from “Exercise Egwueke to Exercise ATILOGWU UDO.
This was contained in a press release signed by Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, Nigerian Army Media Operations Coordinator.
The Exercise Atilogwu Udo, according to reports will be taking off November and will run till January 2020.
Recall that the Operation Egwueke had in the past being criticized by some Nigerians, especially the Igbos who weren’t comfortable with the name “Egwueke” since it took off in 2016.
But Iliyasu in the release maintained that the exercise, which covers the South East region of the country, is designed to combat criminal activities including kidnappings, armed robbery, inter-cult and communal clashes among other sundry crimes.
The full statement reads below…
CHANGE OF EXERCISE NAME
“The authorities of the Nigerian Army wish to inform the general public of the change of name of one of its annual training exercises code named, “Exercise EGWU EKE” to ‘Exercise ATILOGWU UDO’. The annual training exercise commenced in 2016 and has consistently recorded remarkable successes since its introduction.
“The Exercise, which covers the South East region of the country, is designed to combat criminal activities including kidnappings, armed robbery, inter-cult and communal clashes among other sundry crimes.
“All other information relative to the Exercise as contained in the previous Press Statement and Press Conference issued by the Army Headquarters remain unchanged.
“The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai wishes to reiterate the commitment of the Nigerian Army in protecting lives and properties of citizens particularly during these ember months and the fast approaching Yuletide season.
“He also wishes to further solicit the support and understanding of all well-meaning Nigerians towards providing a well secured environment for all and sundry.”
