Army Launches 3rd Operation Crocodile Smile in N’Delta

The Nigerian Army has begun the third phase of its Operation Crocodile Smile in the Niger Delta, meant to mop up all vestiges of criminalities in the region.

As part of the community relations aspect of the programme, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.. Gen. Tukur Buratai yesterday donated relief items to persons displaced by the recent floods in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

Making the presentation on behalf of the COAS, Brig. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, Commander 16 Brigade, Yenagoa, who visited Community Primary School, Igbogene and St. John’s Catholic Church, two of the major camps in the city, reminded the people that the army remains part of them and would always protect them whenever the need arose.

He added that the leadership of the army was saddened by the displacement of persons from their homes, noting that the military would always support any cause to make life more bearable for those affected by the flood.

Gen. Aligbe, who also designated an army doctor in his team to attend to a few medical emergencies, called on the people of the Niger Delta not to fret over the current operation, especially if they observe an increase in the number of soldiers in their communities.

He said: “Operation Crocodile Smile 111 commenced on the 22 of this month with a multi-agency show of force in Yenagoa metropolis as well as contiguous communities.

“As part of the activities, is the rising trajectory of our visibility in the waterways and on land. As part of the confidence building measures, the Chief of Army Staff has identified with these Nigerians.

“Especially, Bayelsans who have been displaced by the flooding in their communities and so has sent the first batch of relief materials to support them while they are in the camp”.

The army lauded the people of the region for their support and vowed to ensure that communities and businesses thrive in the area with maximum security.