The Nigerian Army on Sunday
concluded a military drill to train its Special Forces on operations in maritime environment in Twon Brass, a coastal
settlement in Bayelsa where four soldiers got drowned during the operation.
Col. Sani Usman had confirmed the death of the soldiers who died
in a boat mishap during the commencement of the military exercise earlier in
the week.
Addressing the soldiers during the closing ceremony, the Minister
of Defense, Rtd Brigadier General Mansur Dan Ali, said the exercise code
named “Operation Crocodile Smile was aimed enhancing operational effectiveness
in the creeks.
Ali, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Danjuma Sheni, said the military
exercise was also to defend the territorial the
and secure area.
He said the idea was to stimulate the troops in a drill to see how effective they can be in carrying out their operations.
“We have the capacity, the expertise and the manpower to defend
this area, the people and the oil facilities.
“It’s not to harass, intimidate or threaten the community people
but also to protect them from the so called miscreant and oil thieves “The
Minister said..
According to him, the exercise was preceded by consultations community leaders in the area and sensitization of the people on the importance of the exercise.
“We made the people to see that the troops are here for them, so
we built trust and confidence of the residents and allayed their fears.
“We cannot allow some criminal elements to continue to operate
along the water ways killing innocent people who are busy going about their
legitimate business., we want to make the water way safe”. He said.
He said the launch 'of crocodile smile is to checkmate the activities of militancy group, pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering, amongst other maritime crimes.
In his remark, the Chief of Army staff, Lt.- Gen. Tukur Burutai, said the exercise has achieved a tremendous results and improved the combat readiness of the troops.
The Army Chief said that several arms and ammunitions have been recovered
from criminals while destruction of illegal refineries were carried out during
the operation which still continues.
He observed that the challenges were enormous but assured the troops that with the support of the military high command, success was imminent.
“We are not working alone, all the security agencies are with us
and we are partnering to fight this
criminals.
“They have turned our water ways to criminal haven and made it unsafe
for innocent people that pass through to go about their legal business”. The
Army Chief said.
Some 10,000 army personnel have been trained in the exercise which
the Chief of Army Staff said would continue at regular intervals...
Also speaking, Hon. Sony Goli, Member Representing Brass Constituency I in the Bayelsa House of Assembly, said the exercise is a welcome development and long overdue.
.
Goli noted that those calling for withdrawal of military in the areas, were criminals and assured that the people will partner with the military to make sure were flushed out.
Goli noted that those calling for withdrawal of military in the areas, were criminals and assured that the people will partner with the military to make sure were flushed out.
Highlight of the occasion included donation of educational materials to Community Primary Schools 1, 2 and Saint Barnabas School Brass near the operational base of the Army in Brass.
The troops also provided free medical treatment to the people of
Brass during the operation.
Also two promoted officers,
Major Bala Ikandu and Captain Abraham Ali Baba in charge of gun boat fleet in
Operation Delta Safe were decorated with their new ranks. (
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