By Nigerian Army Trains For Operation Crocodile Smile 4 In South West
Ayodeji Dedeigbo
The Nigerian Army yesterday, October 21, 2019,commenced training of the 81 Division Brigade for Crocodile Smile IV, at 9brigade Officers Mess with the theme “Inter-agency cooperation : imperatives for efficient joint Operations is therefore apt towards achieving the set goals.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff LT. Gen. Ty Buratai, during the event, Commander 9 brigade Brigadier General Etsu Musa Ndagi, stated that the training became necessary in light of the maxim that it is “preferable to train hard and bleed in peace time so that one may sweat less during war.”
Buratai said the letter and spirit of the maxim forms the essential ingredients of his vision for the Nigeria Army which is “to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its role.
“I’m therefore delighted to be in your midst this morning for the Division Brigade Training Day which is part of the activities line up for exercise Crocodile Smile IV.”
He noted that the exercise which will be conducted with the support of sister services and relevant security agencies will include civil Military relations activities like medical and educational outreaches as well as renovation of social amenities and structures these civic activities are expected to impact actively on the host Communities and have also been incorporated the exercise package .
He recalled that the maiden Operation Crocodile Smile in 2015 conducted around the Niger Delta region yielded great successes which included degradation of the activities of militants , destruction of cultist camps among others.
“The successes of the exercise,however , pushed some criminal elements to some other parts of the country ,this necessitating Crocodile Smile II, III.
“In order to consolidate on the gains of Operation Crocodile Smile I-III this year exercise will be conducted across the south west regions of Lagos and Ogun State.
Part of the objectives of the exercise is to improve troops and relevant security agencies Operational capacity as well as strengthen cooperation and synergy in tracking common security challenges confronting our Nation, ” he said in the speech.
He also appreciate the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu who he said “over times has shown keen interest in security matters ,in his desire to make Lagos a better place also appreciate head of all in the security and paramilitary agencies , our royal father and members the public for their unflinching cooperation towards enhancing security in 81 Division area of responsibility.”
In his on remark, the special guest of honour ,during the Division 81 Brigade Training day for exercise Crocodile Smile IV October 21, 2019, Rear Admiral, Flag Officer Commander wester Naval Command, Oladele Daji, the training is part of ” the activities lined up for the conduct of the exercise Crocodile Smile IV that will be simultaneously conducted in 2,6,81,and 82 Division respectively you will recall similar exercises were conducted in past years ,this is therefore another opportunity to further consolidate on the gains achieved and on the success of our internal security operations to clear identified critical threat areas particularly those along our water way and the hinderlands.”
He averred that since most criminal activities are planned and execute both on land and on the sea.
The new exercise will cover both land and water channels, especially the creeks.
“Exercise Crocodile Smile IV will be conducted from 8 Nov-23 Dec19. The exercise has 2 basic objectives which are the training and operational objectives.
“The training objectives is to practice Commanders and Staff Officers in the art of Military decision making process ,staff liaison and conduct of riverine operations.
“It will also train troops on combat responsibilities in internal security operations and promote efficient joint operations in 81 Division.
“The conduct of the exercise will feature aspect of Civil military cooperation ,Media, Psychological operations.
Rules of the engagement and the observance of the international humanitarian law in the conduct of joint operations, ” he said.
