DTSG Promises Support as Nigerian Army Flags off Operation Crocodile Smile IV

DTSG Promises Support as Nigerian Army Flags off Operation Crocodile Smile IV

As part of measures towards strengthening its security apparatus and ensuring security of Deltans, The Nigerian Army today, flaged off its Operation Crocodile Smile(IV) exercise in Aladja and Ogbe-ijoh communities in Delta State.

Flagging off the exercise, Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa promised the readiness of government to continue to support the operation of the Army in the state to achieve the desired operational success required for peace.

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to State Government, Mr. Chiedu Ebie noted that the operation was a training exercise to help soldiers of 63 Brigade brush up their military capabilities, including the overall objective of promoting confidence of the Nigerian Army towards curbing crimes especially in checking cases of kidnapping, cultism and armed robbery.

The Governor particularly commended the Army for carrying out the exercise in the state, adding that the Nigerian Army has remained disciplined and very professional in the discharge of its duties and hoped that the exercise will further strengthen the partnership between the army and the government in working towards the reduction of crime and other violence not only in the state but across the country.

He noted that inter agency understanding was key in checking criminality and violence in the society stressing the need for security agencies to work in harmony with a view to bringing the security challenges across the country under control.

The Governor therefore warned criminals to desist from nefarious activities as government would work with security agencies to ensure that anyone caught in the act would face the full wrath of the law.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commander of the 63  Brigade, Brigadier Gen. Usman Bello represented by Col. Nyom Orok, said the exercise was to foster peace between the Aladja and Ogbe- Ijoh communities.

He noted that Crocodile Smile iv which also included medical outreach was the contribution of the Army to the communities while discharging their duties, adding that the exercise would be extended to other parts of the state.

He warned criminals and the youths to shun acts capable of breaching the peace in the area and solicited their support towards the success of the exercise.

Speaking, the chairman of Udu Local Government Area, Hon. Jite Brown commended the Nigerian Army for the exercise as it will engender unity between the two communities. He thanked them for the medical outreach which he said would benefit some persons.

On his part, the Chairman of Warri South West, Hon.Tuoyo Taiye equally thanked the Nigerian Army for the initiative saying that the people were expecting the exercise and expressed hope that the exercise would further strengthen the unity between the two communities.

Highlights of the event was the inspection of medical facilities for the outreach by the Representative of the Governor, Mr. Chiedu Ebie