The Nigerian Army says it is commencing Exercise Crocodile Smile VI from October 20 to December 31, as part of its effort to enhance safety and security of the country towards the end of the year.
The Chief of Training and Operations, Army, Maj.-Gen. Nuhu Angbazo, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Saturday at Army Special Super Camp, Ngamdu, Kaga local government area of Borno.
Angbazo said the exercise was traditionally scheduled in the last quarter of every year to checkmate all forms of crimes and criminality as the end of the year approaches.
He explained that this year’s exercise was intended to be more all encompassing to include cyber warfare exercises designed to identify, track and counter negative propaganda in the social media and across the cyber space.
According to him, it would also include a positive identification component to identify Boko Haram terrorist elements fleeing from the North East to other parts of the country as a result of ongoing operations, as well as other criminal elements in other parts of the country.
“The exercise is also planned to include the conduct of cyber security awareness seminars to detect and neutralise malicious posts, fake news, illegal recruitment scam and internet hackers.
“Besides major deliverables like the equipment of public safety and security and the end of the year festivities, the exercise will equally improve Nigerian army’s capacity and resilience against hostile cyber acts in defence of our national security and critical national infrastructure.
“Exercise Crocodile Smile 6 will also have a civil-military cooperation component which includes sanitation exercises, medical outreaches, road maintenance palliatives, aid and succour to the aged and disabled members of our society and importantly, humanitarian assistance to the widows of our fallen heroes,” he said.
Angbazo said that the Nigerian army had over the years, conducted different exercises and operations in support of civil authorities as provided for in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
According to him, these exercises and operations have over the years proven to be helpful in stabilising and improving national security as well as safeguarding lives and properties of Nigerians together with the security of our critical national infrastructure.
“In keeping with its constitutional mandate therefore, the Nigerian army has conducted several exercises this year and it is still conducting some as we speak.
“Whereas exercises Harbin Kunama 4 and Crocodile Smile 5 have been successfully concluded, Exercises Atilogwu Udo 2, Ayem Akpatuma 3 amongst others are still ongoing.
“In this light, exercise Crocodile Smile 6 has been scheduled to start from Oct. 20 to Dec. 31, 2020,” he said.
Angbazo, however, solicited for the understanding and support of the public during the conduct of the exercise.
He also enjoined the civil leaders to continue to support the Nigerian army with credible information that would assist in the professional conduct of the exercise.
“I will also want to acknowledge and appreciate the support of our sister services and other security agencies for their excellent collaboration and cooperation with our troops.
“This exercise will take place nationwide by all units and formations of the Nigerian army,” he added.
Angbazo expressed the Nigerian army’s gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support that had enhanced the capacity, combat effectiveness and morale of Nigerian army.
