CRISIS RESPONSE : ONSA Deploys Multi-Agency Forces in Delta for Major Crisis Simulation
By Pan Afric Reporters
Nigeria’s security and emergency response architecture is set for a major operational test as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) deploys a multi-agency crisis response exercise in Asaba, Delta State, to test the country’s readiness to confront complex security emergencies, coordinate rapid response and manage the consequences of major crises.
A statement issued by the Director, Presidential Command and Control Centre (DPC4-ONSA), Rear Admiral Adedotun Olukayode Ayo-Vaughan, on Monday, September 7, 2026, said the five-day Rapid Response 3 Crisis Response Exercise (CRE 2026) commenced Monday and would run until Friday, September 11, bringing together critical Ministries, Departments and Agencies involved in Nigeria’s crisis management architecture.
The exercise, according to Ayo-Vaughan, will test the effectiveness of existing security and emergency response plans, inter-agency coordination, communication, command and control mechanisms, as well as the capacity for rapid deployment in the event of complex emergencies.
“Rapid Response 3 is the codename of the year 2026 crisis response exercise organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser,” he said, describing it as a scheduled multi-agency simulation designed to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and capacity to respond effectively to security-related incidents.
The exercise will involve participating agencies operating across the Gold, Silver and Bronze command levels in accordance with the National Crisis Management Doctrine, with simulated scenarios designed to test their ability to respond rapidly and manage the consequences of a crisis.
Significantly, Ayo-Vaughan disclosed that the exercise marks the first time ONSA is conducting its Crisis Response Exercise outside the Federal Capital Territory, with Asaba selected as the host location.
“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, commending Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for providing support for the exercise.
The Director urged residents of Asaba and members of the public not to panic over increased movements of security vehicles, personnel and emergency response teams in designated areas, stressing that all such activities are simulated and form part of the exercise.
“Members of the public have been adequately informed through SMS and radio messages on the exercise and are advised not to panic during the exercise,” he said.
He further appealed to journalists to publish only verified information and avoid reports capable of triggering unnecessary panic, noting that only accredited media personnel would be allowed to cover designated activities in the exercise.
Ayo-Vaughan said the exercise would run through pre-exercise briefing and training phases before the main exercise on Thursday, followed by an after-action review on Friday, where observations and lessons would be documented to strengthen Nigeria’s future crisis response operations.
He assured participants, accredited journalists and members of the public within the exercise areas of adequate safety and security arrangements, while urging all stakeholders to cooperate with exercise control and security personnel.
He said the exercise would provide a critical opportunity to assess Nigeria’s collective preparedness, strengthen inter-agency coordination and identify gaps requiring further improvement in the country’s crisis management architecture.
