Citizens begging Army to extend Crocodile Smile VI in S'East - Source

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Citizens begging Army to extend Crocodile Smile VI in S’East – Source

By Steve Oko

A source very close to the military has revealed that some citizens have requested the extension of the special military exercise in South East codenamed Crocodile Smile VI.

The request for extension of duration of the exercise, according to the source is due to the “huge positive impacts” of the special exercise, according to the source.

The annual special military exercise which was launched in October was supposed to end by December 31, 2020.

But according to the source, the exercise has recorded tremendous success in Abia State and other states in the region, hence the request by some citizens for its extension.

But when contacted, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Sector 2, Captain Iliya Dauda, confirmed that such requests were being received by the Army.

He however, refused to disclose whether or not the Army Authorities will oblige the request, saying he has no authorisation to speak on that yet.

Captain Dauda commended the troops involved in the exercise “for their high level of professionalism and patriotism” exhibited during the exercise.

According to him, the special military exercise, contrary to misconceptions, is an annual exercise aimed at reducing criminality during Christmas and New Year festivities.

He said it was not targeted at law- abiding citizens but criminal elements who had always taken advantage of the increased movements during the period to unleash mayhem on the people particularly travelers.

His words:”The Nigerian Army flagged off Exercise Crocodile smile to fight kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and communal violence in the South Eastern zone of the country.

“The Exercise is aimed at ensuring peaceful celebration of Yuletide and New Year by law abiding citizens. After the commencement of this Exercise in October till date, it has been a success story all through.

“The Exercise was supposed to be rounded off by the end of December but some citizens are requesting the military authority to extend the Exercise.”

Captain Dauda said a lot of robbery and kidnap suspects including suspected cultists were arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution.

He, however, said the troops “are not resting on their oars but are more vigilant in the days ahead so as to be able to deal with any situation that arises”.

He also solicited the cooperation of members of the public in volunteering information on the whereabouts of criminals or any suspected movements around their vicinity.

According to him, security agencies alone cannot stop criminality in society without meaningful collaboration with the members of the public.

“We therefore, call for collaboration from the civil populace as only the military and other security operatives cannot flush out criminality without the total commitment of the communities whose duty it is to give vital information to the security operatives”, he said.

Captain Dauda assured members of the public of their safety and adequate protection this season as they go about their lawful activities.

” The message for Abia residents and visitors to the state is that the Army in synergy with other security agencies shall ensure they have a peaceful Yuletide and New Year celebrations”.

He also warned criminal elements to steer clear from the region as troops and other security agencies will deal ruthlessly with anyone caught posing a threat to public peace.

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Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria.