The Office of the National Security Adviser has commenced a five-day multi-agency crisis response exercise in Delta State to test Nigeria's preparedness and capacity to respond to complex emergencies and security-related incidents.

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

According to the ONSA, the exercise brings together relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to test crisis response plans, coordination mechanisms, communication systems, command and control, and rapid deployment capabilities.

Director of the Presidential Command and Control Centre, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, said the exercise would be conducted in four phases, including training, simulation, and an after-action review to identify lessons and areas requiring improvement.

He noted that this is the first time ONSA is conducting the exercise outside the Federal Capital Territory. He urged residents not to panic over increased movements of security personnel, vehicles and emergency response teams in designated areas.