Operation Crocodile Smiles II: Army urges Bayelsans to maintain calm

The 16 Brigade, Nigerian Army has urged residents of Bayelsa State not to panic on sighting movement of troops and heavy equipment. This they said is to support its ongoing Army Training Directive for the year 2017 codenamed Operation Crocodile Smiles II.

Spokesman for the Brigade, Capt. Danjuma Danjuma who made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday said troops commenced operations Crocodile  Smile II on the October 7, and expected to last till October 28, 2017.

“The Operations commenced with a confidence building patrol by a joint team of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.

“The patrol highlighted the operational capabilities of troops and other security agencies in a multi-facetted environment.
“This is aimed at stemming the tide of pipeline vandalism, illegal oil refineries/bunkering, kidnapping, cultism and other related crimes.

“It is an Operation designed to practice troops on the efficacy of land and riverine operations thereby enhancing their combat readiness,” the statement read in part.

Danjuma explained that activities lined up for the operations, a number of activities include community relations activities like medical outreaches and environmental sanitation exercise.

The sanitation exercise , he said will take place at Oloibiri Oil Well 1, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

“The choice of this site is not unconnected with its significance to the national economy of Nigeria.

“Oloibiri Oil Well 1 is a national monument that needs to be preserved hence, the Brigade is embarking on the sanitation exercise to preserve this historical site.

“Oloibiri has contributed in no small measure to the birth and overall growth of Nigeria’s commercial oil prospects,” the Brigade spokesman stated.

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