The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of “Operation Crocodile Smile” in the six Niger Delta states for three weeks, starting October 7 to October 28.
Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, said this on Saturday while addressing troops to the exercise and reiterated that the operation was confidence building patrol rather than a show of force.
He said “Operation Crocodile Smile is not a show of force but a confidence-building patrol that seeks to reassure the people of Rivers state and the Niger Delta that the army is ready to work. We are ready to work in close synergy and collaboration with other security services and agencies of government to ensure that there is peace and security for the people. Our operation aims to reassure the public that we are ready to fight crimes like cultism, militancy, and kidnapping so that people can go about their business without fear.”
Udoh said the division would carry out the exercise in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states while another formation would cover other states in the Niger Delta. “Army, police and other security services was established to ensure peace; enforce law and order and create the enabling environment for economic activities to thrive. This is our ultimate mandate, and, as such, we urge Nigerians to give us the necessary support to enable us to succeed,” he said.
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