…says it’s for independence celebration

By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA—Ahead of the nation’s 50th independent anniversary celebrations in the Federal Capital Territory, the Nigeria Army yesterday asked the public not to panic over movement of military equipment and deployment of of troops to Abuja from different parts of the country to take part in rehearsals for the parade and displays for the October 1 events.

A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig-General Chris Olukolade, read: “The large number of military equipment and personnel are to concentrate in Abuja, in preparation for the nation’s 50th anniversary celebration.

“The public is, therefore, to note that the movement which will involve military equipment, such as aircraft, armoured vehicles artillery equipment and troops carrying vehicles, among others, are in respect of activities scheduled for the celebration of the nation’s independence anniversary and constitute no threat whatsoever to national security.”

“People are, therefore, advised to go about their normal lawful activities without panic or concern as the movement of these military hardware and personnel into and around the federal capital get noticed”.