FG Tests Emergency Response in Delta, Urges Public Not to Panic

The Office of the National Security Adviser has commenced a five-day crisis response exercise in Delta State to assess and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond to emergencies and security-related incidents.

The exercise, codenamed Rapid Response 3 Crisis Response Exercise 2026, began in Asaba on Monday and will run until Friday, September 11.

Director of the Presidential Command and Control Centre, ONSA, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, said the exercise was designed to test existing crisis response plans, coordination mechanisms and the operational capabilities of participating agencies.

He said the exercise would strengthen inter-agency cooperation, communication, command and control, rapid deployment and crisis management.

According to him, participating agencies would operate across the Gold, Silver and Bronze levels of command under the National Crisis Management Doctrine.

Ayo-Vaughan said the exercise would be conducted in four phases, with the first two days dedicated to enabler training, Thursday set aside for the main exercise and Friday for an after-action review.

He stressed that the exercise was being conducted in a controlled environment and did not represent an actual emergency or security incident.

“This is the first time the Office of the National Security Adviser is conducting the Crisis Response Exercise outside the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

Ayo-Vaughan urged residents in designated areas not to panic over the movement of security vehicles, personnel and emergency response teams during the exercise.

He said members of the public had been informed through SMS and radio messages to distinguish the simulation from a real emergency.

He also urged the media to report only verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports capable of causing public panic.

The ONSA official said adequate safety and security measures had been put in place for participants, observers, accredited journalists and members of the public within the exercise areas.

He described the exercise as an opportunity to identify gaps in Nigeria’s crisis management architecture and improve the country’s collective preparedness.