Authorities of the Nigerian Army have extended the several special military training and operational exercises which were activated across the geo-poltical zones of the country to tackle various security threats bedevilling the nation by two (2) weeks
Recall that shortly before the yuletide season, on 1st November, the Army authorities flagged off Exercise Harbin Kunama in the North West to tackle armed banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping prevalent in the zone; in the South East, Exercise Atilogwu Udo 1 was flagged off with the military going after kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists.
In the North Central zone, troops through Exercise Ayem Akpatuma went after bandits, militia groups, deadly herdsmen, cattle rustlers, kidnappers and armed robbers.
In the North East, Operation Positive Identification was flagged off to checkmate Boko Haram terrorists fleeing the Lafiya Dole theatre of operation to other parts of the country as well as curtail logistics suppliers of foodstuff, drugs, logistics equipment and arms to the terrorists.
Based on its success in the North East, Exercise Positive Identification was subsequently extended nationwide following intelligence reports which showed that fleeing Boko Haram terrorists and armed bandits who were dislodged from North East and North West were heading South.
In the South West and South-South, Exercise Crocodile Smile continues to deal a heavy blow of illegal oil refineries, oil pipeline vandalism, kidnapping, cultism and other crimes.
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This was confirmed in a statement signed by Col Sagir Musa, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, titled, ‘Nigeian Army Extends the Duration of Exercises Ayem Akpatuma 2, Atilogwu Udo 1, Crocodile Smile 1V from December 23rd, 2019 to 7th January, 2020’.
It said, “Owing to the tremendous successes recorded in the ongoing Operations/Exercises across the country especially in the aspect of Exercise Positive Identification, the Nigerian Army (NA) has extended the deadline for the conduct of Exercises Ayem Akpatuma II, Atilogwh Udo I and Crocodile Smile IV from the 23rd of December 2019 to 7th of January, 2020.
“Recall that in her spirited efforts to combat insecurity across the nation, the Nigerian Army through a Press Release made on the 25th of September 2019, alerted members of the public of the commencement of the said routine exercises in the different regions of Nigeria.
“All the exercises were scheduled to be conducted concurrently from the 7th of October 2019 to 23rd of December 2019.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai wishes to reassure the good citizens of our country of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to protect lives and properties of all law abiding citizens.
“He deeply appreciates the tremendous support and understanding of all Nigerians during the conduct of Exercises Ayem Akpatuma II, Atilogwu Udo I and Crocodile Smile IV across the Country so far and solicits same support as the Exercises run through the said extension period.”
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