By Julian Osamoto
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has commenced the 2026 Rapid Response 3 (RR3) Crisis Response Exercise in Asaba, Delta State, marking the first time the national multi-agency crisis simulation is being conducted outside the Federal Capital Territory.
The five-day exercise, which began on Monday, September 7, brings together relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, security as well as emergency response organisations, strategic partners and other stakeholders to test and strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness for complex emergencies and security-related incidents.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Asaba, the Director, Presidential Command and Control Centre, ONSA, and Director of the Exercise, Rear Admiral Ayo-Vaughan, said the exercise is designed to evaluate existing crisis response plans, strengthen inter-agency coordination and identify gaps requiring further improvement.
He said Rapid Response 3 is the codename for the 2026 crisis response exercise organised by ONSA.
According to him, the exercise is the seventh national crisis response simulation conducted by ONSA, with the previous six held in Abuja.
He said the decision to hold the 2026 exercise in Delta State provides an opportunity to test national crisis-response arrangements in a sub-national environment.
In a statement by Adefolarin Faturoti, Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the full-scale exercise will feature two simulated crisis scenarios to be conducted sequentially at the Asaba International Airport and along the Benin-Asaba Expressway.
Participants will operate under the Gold, Silver and Bronze command structure established by the National Crisis Management Doctrine, representing the strategic, operational and tactical levels of coordination.
The opening ceremony was attended by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Eze Emu, as well as senior government officials, security and emergency response commanders, heads of MDAs, strategic partners and members of the media.
ONSA has assured residents that the exercise is a controlled simulation and advised them not to panic or mistake the activities for a real emergency.
Rear Admiral Ayo-Vaughan also urged the media to report only verified information and avoid disseminating unconfirmed reports capable of causing public alarm.
