Military operation to tackle security challenges
Military operation to tackle security challenges
By Seye Fakinlede, Okitipupa
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The General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Anthony Bamidele Omozoje, has assured that the Nigerian army is currently involved in several military operations to tackle the security challenges in the country.
Omozoje also warned all criminal elements in Ondo State to desist from their nefarious activities and surrender illegal acquired weapons or be met with decisive action by the security agencies.
He declared these at the flag off of the Crocodile Smile IV, at the Brigade Super Camp, Okitipupa, Ondo State.
Omozoje who was represented by the Division Training Officer, Brigadier General Thomas Adesoji Ogunsoga, said challenges such as insurgences, terrorism, herders/farmers’ clash, cattle rustling, kidnapping and pipeline vandalism among others were the major targets of the operation Crocodile Smile IV.
According to him, the exercise was presumed on ensuring peace in the country most especially during the Yuletide season, beginning from November 8 till December 23, 2019.
He added that the exercise would include the conduct of actual military operation, and civil-military cooperation activities in order to sustain the excellent civil-military relationship in the state.
In his speech, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde pledged to continue to support any operation towards security of lives and property of the citizenry across the state.
Akeredolu, who called on people of the state to join hand with the security agencies to reduce crime to minimum rate said that the government would not relent in its efforts to protect people of the state especially during the yuletide season.
In his welcome address, Brig. Gen. Zakari Abubakar,Commander 32 Artillery Brigade said that the exercise was to checkmate various security challenges prevalent in the southern part of the state.
Abubakar said that the exercise would prevent stockpiling of arms and ammunition by criminal group across the state.
Abubakar, therefore, assured people of the state that the brigade would continue to collaborate with other agencies and remain one of the shining light of the division to achieve the vision of the COAS
Highlight of the ceremony was the donation of computer system & printers, exercise books, generators, stationery and sporting materials to schools at Atijere community in Ilaje local government area and free health services as part of civil-military activities of the flag off exercise in the state.