Army to begin Operation Crocodile Smile III in Calabar to tackle kidnapping, others

Task Force opens distress call unit to restore peace in Plateau

The Nigerian Army has trained 800 military and para-military officers in exercise code-named Operation Crocodile Smile III in Calabar in a bid to ensure peace and security during 2019 elections. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, represented by General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Kabuk, stated this yesterday at the flag-off of the exercise in Ikang, Bakassi Local Council of Cross River State.He said the exercise was designed to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery, militancy, maritime crime and other real live security threats.

Buratai, who stated that the exercise was an initiative of his to tackle crime on land and maritime operations, including the use of mobile patrols, snap checkpoints, raids, road-blocks and other operations, said: “It is a command post-exercise and a field training exercise. It is intended to provide an opportunity for officers and soldiers of 13 Brigade as well as other supporting elements from headquarters 82 Division and other security agencies within 13 Brigade area of responsibility to once again demonstrate their proficiency in the conduct of internal security operations.”

While the 13 Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Charles Ekulide, said the exercise was to prepare officers and men both in the military and para-military in tackling crimes that are threats to the country, the state governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, commended the army and President Muhammadu Buhari for his financial support to the security agencies.

In another development, the Special Task Force mandated to restore peace in Plateau State, code-named Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has set up Forward Operational Base (FOB) unit in Gyambwas District of Mangu Local Council of Plateau State, aimed at reducing response time to crime and to boost community confidence.

The Commander, Maj.-Gen. Augustine Agundu, yesterday stated that the effort is aimed at resettling the villagers who fled their homes as a result of the incessant crises that had hitherto engulfed Plateau in recent times.Agundu said: “I decided to set up an FOB tactical formation that will provide security within the area to boost the confidence of the villagers so that they can return home.”
and with this development, the inhabitants of this community have now returned home. This Base is to guarantee their safety at all times: they are happy to have us in their midst as they can now go to their farms.

“As you can see, normalcy has returned and they are happy to be back home.”Agundu said as part of the plan to establish the tactical FOB in the district is to also patrol other neighbouring communities to curb the invasion of assailants.