After several cries and calls by Nigerians, the Nigerian Army is set to begin exercise “Cat Race” in Benue state, Taraba state and 4 other troubled states across the country.
Army Chief of Training and Operations, Major General David Ahmadu, announced this on Wednesday while briefing reporters at the Army Headquarters Conference Room in Abuja. He said it would begin a major deployment of troops to the troubled states of Benue, Taraba, Nassarawa, Kaduna, Kogi and Niger to restore peace and orderliness.
The exercise which is tagged: Ayem Akpatuma (Tiv Language) meaning “Cat Race” is to tackle the crises between herdsmen and farmers as well as cases of kidnapping in Benue and other states.
The Army chief further said the exercise which runs from February 15 to March 31 would be targeted at killer herdsmen, cattle rustlers, armed bandits, kidnappers, armed militias and other criminal elements in the six states.
The exercise is expected to cover the 1 and 3 Divisions, representing the North West and North Central geopolitical zones of the country, while the Guards Brigade, 707 Special Forces Brigade, and the Headquarters Army Command would also be involved in the exercise.
Major- Gen. David Ahmadu who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai said other security agencies that would be participating in the exercise are the Department of State Security (DSS) the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security organisations in the country.
He noted that Emphasis will be placed on raids, cordon and search operations, anti-kidnapping drills, road blocks, check points and show of force, as well as humanitarian activities such as medical outreach.

Major Gen. Ahmadu also enjoined residents of the affected states to avoid panic as the security, safety and well-being of innocent and law abiding citizens have been deliberately factored in the planning of this exercise.

He advised the general public to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected criminals may be fleeing from military operations in these areas and finding safe haven amidst our communities.
He added that "The public is also reminded to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action.
"In order to ensure cordial civil-military relations, we shall make contact phone numbers of all Brigade Commanders public in addition to the Nigerian Army short code Information and Call Centre 193."
It will be recalled that several attacks in the affected states have led to several appeals by Nigerians for a repeat of Operation Python dance but this time in the concerned states.
https://naijmobile.com/army-commence-operation-cat-race-6-states/

more like raiding the home of locals for arms and leaving them vulnerable to the herdsmen

I knew the army would eventually go to Benue after successfully relocating Fulani terrorists away from the theatre of operation.

The exercise should be called operation snail race.