Army commences ‘Operation Crocodile Smile IV’ in Ondo

FILE PHOTO

As part of its commitment to strengthen the security apparatus and stem the tide of insecurity in Ondo state, the 32 Command of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday flagged-off Operation Crocodile Smile lV in Okitipupa, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Speaking during the flag-off, General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Anthony Omozoje, warned all criminal elements in the state to desist from their unholy activities, urging them to surrender all weapons illegally acquired or be ready to face decisive actions from security agencies.

Omozoje said that the flag-off of the outfit becomes imperative for all suspected criminals in the state especially southern part of the state to shun crime or face the full wrath of the law.

Omozoje, who was represented by Brig. Gen.Thomas Ogunsugba explained that the exercise was part of the Army’s constitutional roles in combating various security threats facing region, which include kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, pipeline vandalism and other crimes.

Omozoje said: “Criminal elements in the state are hereby warned in their own interest to desist from their nefarious activities and surrender illegal acquired weapons or be met with decisive and appropriate action by the security agencies.”

According to him, the exercise was designed to be inter-agency and inter-service driven and urged participants which include NPF, DSS, NSDC, Custom, Immigration, NDLEA and Prisons service to work harmoniously as a team and maintain the existing synergy among them.

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In his remark, the Commander 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Brig. Gen. Zakari Abubakar, said that the Army would use the exercise to prevent stockpiling of arms and ammunition by criminal groups across the state.

Abubakar assured people of the state that the brigade would continue to collaborate with other agencies to maintain law and order.

“I must particularly commend the vigorous effort of our amiable GOC for providing the needed logistics, guidance and direction in ensuring the security and safety of lives and properties of the people of Ondo state.

“Worthy of note is the guidance on the conduct of various clearance operations within the state which is in tandem with the divisional contingency plan of ensuring the safety of lives and properties of the citizen under her internal security operations.

“I also wish to state that what you are seeing today speaks volume at the level of synergy between the Brigade and other sister agencies as evidenced by the presence of the various Heads of Security Agencies and the series of joint operations undertaken in the state.

”I wish to use this opportunity to assure the GOC that the Brigade will continue to consolidate on the gains achieved so far to make Ex CROCODILE SMILE IV a huge success,” Abubakar said.

The state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Sunday Abegunde, assured the security agencies that the state government will give priority to any move towards securing lives and property of the citizenry.

Items which include Computer system and printers, exercise books, generating sets stationary and sporting materials to schools were distributed by the Army with a promise to provide free health services to some communities