Be civil, officers of Operation Crocodile Smile charged

Officers and men of the Operation Crocodile Smile Phase 11 have been charged to ensure they are civil, follow order and be of good behaviour in order to get maximum support from the civil populace.

Brigade Commander, 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, Edo State, Brigadier General Ibrahim Garba, gave the order on Monday in Sapele, Delta State shortly before the Operation Crocodile Smile stormed the area.

The army boss described the operation as a “show of force,” emphasising that the behaviour of the troop during the exercise would determine whether the general public would support or cooperate with the Army to achieve its result.

He added that the “internal security depends largely on information and intelligence and that the army can only perform ultimately if the general public is behind us.”

ALSO READ: Using the military for police duties

Garba also stressed that the troops cannot afford to do anything that would tarnish or smeared the image of the Nigerian Army, the Operation crocodile smile lasted reminding them that actions that could lead to revolt or resistance from the public should be duly avoided.

He said the troops were in the state to protect lives and property and not to do anything otherwise,saying that the general public are supposed to be the beneficiaries.

“I want the general public to be happy with us. I don’t want anything that would be done contrary because actions or inactions of one or two officers could tarnish the army good image.

“To this end, we must abide by the rules and regulations of our profession, ” he warned.

According to him, troops of the operation will show force around Sapele, Jesse, OGHARA in Ethiope West Local Government and Koko and Abigborode both in Warri North Local government Areas of Delta State.

Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer 19 Battalion Koko, LT. Col. MA Ma’aji, has avowed that the army would discharge its constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and property, eliminating all forms of crimes and attendant criminality from the Niger Delta area.

LT. Col. Ma’aji declared that no stone would be left unturned  in ensuring that the military secure the region.