A field training exercise of the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army christened, “Operation Crocodile Smile IV,”, is in progress at the Super Camp of the Brigade on the Asaba – Benin expressway, Asaba, Delta state.
The exercise, which commenced on October 28, 2019, is aimed at ensuring lasting peace and security in the state during the festive period and to train military personnel on the tactical skills required for riverine operation.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa visited the camp on Thursday where he said the training was a welcome development and a clear demonstration of the commitment of the Brigade to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.
The Governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, commended the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Usman Bello, for his pro activeness and willingness to go the extra mile in the discharge of his duties, particularly at this time of the year when crime and criminality tended to be on the increase.
He lauded the strategic measures being taken by the Brigade to curtail the nefarious activities of miscreants and expressed delight that the Brigade was working closely with other security agencies to boost crime fighting in the state.
Okowa urged officers and men of the Brigade to be professional and always exercise restraint in dealing with the civilian population, advising that the use of maximum force should be the last resort.
He appealed to Deltans and indeed Nigerians to continue to support and show solidarity with the Nigerian Army in their unrelenting struggle to preserve the collective peace and security of the country.
The Commander, 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Usman Bello, said with Operation Crocodile Smile IV the crime rate in Delta state had drastically reduced, as residents could now go about their activities without molestation.
Brigadier General Bello added that the exercise had improved Civil/Military relationship, while a robust inter – agency cooperation had been established in a bid to collectively fight crime in the state.
He assured that the Brigade would ensure the prevalence of peace and security in Delta state and would always be guided by professionalism and the rule of law by using minimum force in its operations.
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