‘Exercise Still Water II’: Vacate Ondo, Ekiti states, Army warns criminals
By Tola Gbadamosi
As part of efforts at tackling insecurity in the country, the Nigerian Army has flagged-off ‘Still Water II’ in Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government.
The exercise is said to be part of Nigerian Army’s effort to enhance efficiency. The Army said the exercise has been carefully packaged and designed to checkmate crimes as the yuletide approaches.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at Otapete Joint patrol Camp, Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena cantonment, Brigadier General Muktal Adamu warned that criminal elements operating in the state or face the full wrath of the law.
He said the exercise was flagged off simultaneously in Ondo and Ekiti states.
“The exercise would be based on real-time intelligence on the prevailing security threats and would dovetail to checkmate criminalities as the yuletide season approaches.
” It also seeks to ensure a secured environment during the election campaigns.
“It was also designed to sharpen troops operational skills and provide amenities to conduct tactical operations.
“The exercise will further identify criminal hideouts and project activities, to clear suspected insurgents, kidnappers, armed robbers, drugs handlers, armed bandits and cultists among others.”
He stressed that this year the exercise is expected to be more intensive, including cyber warfare operation. Additionally, the exercise, he said, will also incorporate some civil military corporation activities with the aim of creating a better understanding of military activities and endearing Nigerian Army to the public.
“The choice of Owo as the brigade set up headquarters for the exercise is premise on the security challenging the city experienced before now and indeed some areas in Northern Ondo that share border with Kogi and Edo States.
“Although, the security situation has improved drastically through the combined efforts of the military and other security agencies “Exercise still water II will aim to consolidate the achievements made.
He to appealed to traditional and community leaders as well as the local populace to assist the military and other security agencies with relevant and credible information.
The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, expressed appreciation to the men of the Nigerian Army for choosing Owo as the headquarters of the Exercise Still Water II, saying it will enhance the level of security in the community.
He stressed that having the men on ground during the yuletide and election period will strongly control criminal activities in the state.
He advised people of Owo and Ondo state to ensure they cooperate with the security agencies in the state by providing adequate and timely information.