Army begins `Crocodile Smile III’ exercise in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Army says it has commenced Operation Crocodile
Smile III exercise across the states of the Niger Delta to stem the
tide of pipeline vandalism in the region.

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in
Uyo on Tuesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public
Relations, Lt. Tayo Oluwafemi of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army.

According to him, the exercise which started on Monday October
22 would last till November 22, 2018.

“In line with the Army Headquarters Training Directive for Year
2018 which tasked Headquarters 6 Division, Port Harcourt to
organize above mentioned exercise, the exercise is going to take
place within the States in the Niger Delta Region including Akwa
Ibom State.

“In view of this, Headquarters 2 Brigade, Uyo will from Monday
22 October to 22 November 2018 conduct Exercise Crocodile Smile
III.

“This is aimed at stemming the tide of pipeline vandalism,
illegal refineries/bunkering, kidnapping, cultism and other related
crimes, “ he said.

He added that other activities to be carried out include;
Medical Outreaches, Sanitation Exercise, Distribution of items to
Orphanages, Distribution of Sporting Equipment to Schools,
Distribution of items to Market Women and Sinking of Borehole in
selected Local Government Areas.

He warned members of the public that there would be movement of
troops and equipment and advised them not to panic.

He urged members of the public especially residents of Ikot
Abasi and Mbo Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom to keep away from
the exercise area.

NAN

Senator Makarfi Condemns Kaduna Crises, Commends
Security Agencies

The sad episode of Kasuwar Magani and the resultant spillover
and skirmishes in Kaduna have given great cause for concern to
Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, who views them as a setback in the
quest for lasting peace in the state.

The Senator is pained that after having come this far, some of
our people still find it difficult to settle disputes without
resorting to violence, with all the history at our disposal, which
teaches us that much as human society cannot permanently live
without one form of conflict or another, resort to arms has never
been the solution.

Senator Makarfi appeals to the people to always eschew violence
and embrace the time-tested process of constructive engagement
through dialogue with one another, which has always proven to be a
more effective and sustainable conflict resolution mechanism.

The Senator commends the role played by the various security
agencies, as well as community and religious leaders in
facilitating a return to normalcy. He also condoles with the
government and people of Kaduna State and families who lost dear
one’s even as he also commiserated with those injured and others
who suffered losses on account of the unfortunate incidents.

Sgd

Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo