Nigerian Army commences ‘Operation Crocodile Smile II’ exercise in C/River
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday unveiled the second phase of a special operation code named ‘Operation Crocodile Smile II‘ in Cross River State.
General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Nigerian Army in Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Abubakar, who unveiled the operation in Calabar, said it was meant to complement the ongoing ‘Operation Python Dance’ in the South-East.
The operation according to Abubakar was in line with the Army’s effort in curbing cases of militancy, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other forms of illegality in the state and beyond.
He added that it was important for the general public to support the operation by availing the Army and other security agencies with useful and timely information that would enable them to respond to cases of emergencies.
Abubakar was conducted round the creeks of Ikang in Bakassi Local Government Area to the Amphibious Training School fleet yard in Calabar through a boat ride by the Commander of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army Calabar, Brig.-Gen. Ismaila Isa.
He said, “From Ikang in Bakassi local government to the Calabar channel, I can say that the soldiers have been doing well in protecting the coastal areas along with the navy.
“I am happy that the Director of the State Security Service also went with us throughout the sea patrol. It shows that we are united in providing security to the people of the state and beyond.
“I am very certain that this exercise will help in securing our nation in all spheres just as we recorded tremendous success in exercise Egwu Eke.
“Crocodile smile cut across four divisions; they include 81, 2, 6 and 82 divisions respectively. We hope to record a successful outcome at the end of the operation on the 28 of Oct.
“What we are doing here right now is exactly what is going on in Lagos, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River states respectively.”
Abubakar further said that the operation would also help in enhancing civil-military relationship, teach the troops on general administration, operational logistics, equipment maintenance, arms handling and others.
Posted by Juliet Ekwebelam (Punch)
