Army Begins Operation Crocodile Smile In Niger Delta Oct.7

admin October 3, 2017 2 min read

…Exercise To End October 28

…Appeals To Residents Of Affected States For Understanding,Cooperation

The Nigerian Army yesterday said that its military exercise for the Niger Delta region code named, ‘Operation Crocodile Smile II’, will commence on Saturday,October 7,2017.

According to the Army Operation Crocodile Smile II, will be carried out by troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State,adding that the operation will cover majorly Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states

Recalled that that the Army’s operation in the South-East states code named, “Operation Python Dance II” which started on September 15 will end October 14,2017.

The exercise generated a lot of controversies following the alleged invasion of the residence of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Speaking on the operation for the Niger Delta,the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, and 6 Division’s spokesman, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, stated yesterday that the military operation in the Niger Delta states would be done with the “effective application of the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct as well as strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement.”

According to him, “Troops of 6 Division, Port Harcourt, and its units covering the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers will conduct Exercise Crocodile Smile II from October 7 to 28. The exercise is intended to train troops in operational, logistics as well as civil-military cooperation aspects.”

Iliyasu continued, “It will also avail troops the opportunity to sharpen their combat skills in the conduct of land-based as well as joint riverine operations. The exercise will also aim at imparting to the troops the importance of equipment maintenance and reconnaissance. There will be an effective application of the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct as well as strict adherence to Rules of Engagement.”

He appealed to residents of the affected states to show “understanding and cooperation during the period of the exercise” and must not panic owing to the “increased movements of troops and equipment.”