Full Text of Address by the Chief of Army Staff LT. Gen. Ty Buratai During 81 Division Brigade Training Day for exercise Crocodile Smile IV

As it is often said in the military circles, it is preferable to train hard and bleed in peace time so that one may sweat less during war.

This old maxim remains relevant today as it was ages ago.

Interestingly, the letter and spirit of the maxim forms the essential ingredients of my vision for the Nigeria Army which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its role.

I’m therefore delighted to be in your midst this morning for the Division Brigade Training Day which is part of the activities line up for exercise Crocodile Smile IV.

The exercise which will be conducted with the support of sister services  and relevant security agencies will include civil Military relations activities like medical and educational outreaches as well as renovation of social amenities and structures these civic activities are expected to impact actively on the host Communities and have also been incorporated the exercise package .

It would be recalled the maiden Operation Crocodile Smile in 2015, and around the Niger Delta region.

The exercise yielded great successes which included degradation of the activities of militants, destruction of cultist camps among others.

The successes of the exercise, however, pushed some criminal elements to some other parts of the country, this necessitating Crocodile Smile II, III.

In order to consolidate on the gains of Operation Crocodile Smile I-III this year exercise will be conducted across the south west regions of Lagos and Ogun State.

Part of the objectives of the exercise is to improve troops and relevant security agencies Operational capacity as well as strengthen cooperation and synergy in tracking common security challenges confronting our Nation.

This training day with theme “Inter-agency cooperation: imperatives for efficient joint Operations, is therefore apt towards achieving the set goals.

On this note, I want to most sincerely appreciate the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu who over times has shown keen interest in security matters, in his desire to make Lagos a better place also appreciate head of all in the security and paramilitary agencies, our royal father and members the public for their unflinching cooperation towards enhancing security in 81 Division area of responsibility.

I look forward to a productive session today and urge members of the press to project this exercise in the interest of safety and security of the generality of the masses in the affected States. Thank you all and God bless. -Dedeigbo Ayodeji

Leave A Comment