The Nigerian Army has said it would begin ‘Operation Crocodile Smile II’ in the Niger Delta on Saturday, October 7, 2017.
Col. Aminu Iliyasu, Deputy Director, Public Relations, said this in Port Harcourt on Monday.
He said the operation would be carried out by troops of the 6 Division and will cover mainly Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers state.
Iliyasu said: “Troops of 6 Division, Port Harcourt, and its units covering the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers will conduct Exercise Crocodile Smile II from October 7 to 28. The exercise is intended to train troops in operational, logistics as well as civil-military cooperation aspects.
“It will also avail troops the opportunity to sharpen their combat skills in the conduct of land-based as well as joint riverine operations. The exercise will also aim at imparting to the troops the importance of equipment maintenance and reconnaissance.
“There will be an effective application of the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct as well as strict adherence to Rules of Engagement.”
The spokesman said residents of the affected states must show “understanding and cooperation during the period of the exercise” and must not panic owing to the “increased movements of troops and equipment.”
