‘Exercise Crocodile Smile’ Not Targetted At #EndSARS Protesters – Army

Colonel Musa stressed that the exercise was deliberately
intended to be all-encompassing to include cyber warfare
operations.

The cyber-warfare operation, he stated, was designed to
identify, track, and counter negative propaganda on social media
and across cyberspace.

“This is the first-ever cyber warfare exercise to be conducted
in the history of the African Armed Forces.

“Accordingly, the exercise will also include positive
identification component aimed at identifying Boko Haram terrorists
fleeing from the North East and other parts of the country as a
result of the ongoing operations in the various theatres of
operations, especially in the North East, North Central, and North
Western parts of Nigeria,” the statement said.

The army spokesman reassured all well-meaning Nigerians of the
commitment of the Force to the sustenance of peace and security in
the country.

He also urged members of the public to show support and
understanding throughout the period of the exercise.

This is coming at a time of nationwide protests both on social
media and in the streets, demanding an end to police brutality

The peaceful protests which have, however, been met with pockets
of violence and even killings, have continued to gain momentum
despite efforts by the government to bring it to a halt.

Many Nigerians have, therefore, criticised the exercise over
fears that it is another tactic to clamp down on protesters.