Army’s Operation Crocodile Smile IV begins

By Our Reporter

The Nigerian Army 4 Brigade in Benin, Edo State, yesterday said it will commence a field training exercise nicknamed: “Exercise CROCODILE SMILE IV“ in the state from November  8 to December 24.

Assistant Director Army and the Brigade’s Public Relations Officer, Major Ojo Adenegan, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.

Adenegan said the exercise was in accordance with the Nigerian Army Forecast of Events 2019 and part of the Nigerian Army’s constitutional role of acting in aid to civil authorities in combating the various security threats in the state.

He also said during the period of the exercise, mass movement of troops, military weapons and equipment would be noticed in both hinterland and waterways in the state and its environs.

He said: “The exercise will be conducted in conjunction with other security agencies to further sustain the existing synergy between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state.

“The objective of the exercise is to combat and reduce to the barest minimum the prevailing security challenges in the state.“

The Army spokesman, who identified the challenges as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, pipeline vandalism and other sundry crimes, said the exercise was to enhance the security of lives and property.

“In line with the programmed activities for the exercise, the Brigade will organise training day for the participants on Monday, November 11 at Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai hall, headquarters, 4 Brigade.

“The inauguration will take place on Tuesday November 12 with a free Medical Outreach at Ikpako Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo.

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“Subsequently, Medical Outreach and other Civil – Military Cooperation activities will be held across the three Senatorial Districts in the state.”

He further said that for information sharing and quick response to distress calls, members of the public should contact the Brigade Headquarters’ on 08078836282 and Nigerian Army Call Centre Number (193).

“We are also using this medium to advise the general public in the state and its environs not to panic but go about their legitimate businesses without fear throughout the period of the exercise. The exercise will be conducted in line with the Nigerian Army Rules of engagement and Code of Conduct, guiding exercise of this nature,” he said.