Military moves troops, equipment to Edo, Delta, Ondo, calls for calm

File Photo: Soldiers

The Nigerian military has asked residents not to panic as troops commence movement of heavy duty equipment to Edo, Delta and Ondo States ahead of Saturday’s flag-off of Exercise Crocodile Smile ll in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4th Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin, Captain Mohammed Maidawa, on Tuesday in Effurun, Delta State, the operation is an exercise aimed at enhancing the combat skills of its men.

Maidawa stated that during the exercise, the operatives would also undertake free medical outreach, quick impact project and environmental sanitation among others in the affected states to promote military-civil relationship.

He particularly appealed to residents in the affected states not to panic because of the troops and heavy equipment being deployed for the purpose of the exercise.

He said they were not meant to fight any individual or groups in the region.

The statement added, “In line with the Nigerian Army Training Directive for the year 2017, troops of Headquarters 4 Brigade Nigerian Army and its units in Edo, Delta and Ondo States would be conducting a training exercise code-named Exercise Crocodile Smile ll.

“The general public is enjoined not to panic on sighting movement of troops and heavy equipment. It is a routine training undertaken by the Brigade as captured in the Nigerian Army training directive 2017.

“It will also afford troops the opportunity to train effectively on various aspects of operational proficiency in land and riverine operations. It is hoped that this will sharpen the combat skills of own troops in the Nigerian Army capability.

“The exercise is scheduled for 7th to 28th October, 2017, in the Brigade’s area of responsibility.

“The exercise will commence with a number of precursor activities such as civil-military cooperation.

“This will include medical outreach, quick impact projects, environmental sanitation and donations of educational materials to schools.”