The Nigerian Army operation code named CROCODILE SMILE 111 in 13 has been launched at the Brigade Area of Operational Responsibility in Calabar, Cross River State.
A statement by the deputy director of public relations of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Sagir Musa said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai flagged off Command Post and Field Training Exercise today, Thursday at Ikang Forward Operation Base, Ikang, Bakassi Local Local Area of Cross Rivers State.
The statement said that the Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, who was the special guest at the flag off, commended the professional disposition, commitment and foresight of the Chief of Army Staff for choosing Bakassi general area as a launching pad for this important and timely exercise.
Governor Ayade was quoted as saying that the choice of Bakassi is good and thoughtful “as there is massive movement of arms and ammunition as well as criminal activities such as sea piracy, kidnapping armed robbery going on in this axis. All these are connected to the activities of Cameroonian Ambazonian separatists which resulted in the proliferation of arms and crimes. I hope, this exercise, will effectively address these fundamental security challenges.”
He advised traditional rulers in the state to cooperate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to ensure the success of the exercise which will last till the 22nd of November 2018.
“I understand there are other aspects of the exercise that are intended to achieve excellent Civil-Military Cooperation. I wish to commend the NA for imbuing this exercise with projects that will profoundly impact on the people. I, therefore, urge the royal fathers to cooperate with NA as they are sincere in what they are here for.”
In a keynote address delivered by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division the Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Kabuk, the Chief of Army Staff said that the exercise is a training period for the officers and soldiers of 13 Brigade.
“The exercise is primarily a 13 Brigade Command Post and Field Training exercises which will provide an opportunity for officers and soldiers of the Brigade as well as supporting elements from headquarters 82 Division to once again demonstrate their proficiency in the conduct of Internal Security Operations.”
He said that CROCODILE SMILE 111 will be land and maritime based.
“The land operations will include mobile patrols, snap checkpoints, raids, road blocks, cordon and search and other operations that can enhance the achievement of the exercise objectives, while the maritime operations will address the security threats within the creeks of Cross Rivers State.”
