In line with the Nigerian Army’s Training Directive for the Year 2018, troops of 6th Division, Port Harcourt have launched the third phase of the operation Crocodile Smile billed to take place in the entire Niger Delta region.
According to the military, the exercise is intended as a routine practice for troops on administration, operations, logistics, as well as Civil-Military Cooperation.
The exercise began with a show of force patrol alongside other sister agencies like Airforce, Navy, Customs, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration etc around the city of Port Harcourt.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division of Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, who was represented by the Garrison Commander, Brigadier-General Hillary Nzan said Operation Crocodile smile 3 is a confidence-building patrol in the fight against insecurity.
Nzan said it will also avail troops opportunity to sharpen their combat skills in the conduct of land based, as well as joint riverine operations.
While explaining that the army is for every Nigerian, as they are to protect the people, through collaboration with other security agencies to restore peace, he advised criminal elements in the areas to turn a new leaf or be prepared to face the full wrath of the law.
The exercise is also aimed at impacting on the troops, the importance of equipment maintenance, reconnaissance, inter-service and inter-agency cooperation, effective application of Army Code of Conduct, as well as strict adherence to Rules of Engagement in the handling of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), captured or surrendered hostile elements in line with international best practices.
