The Nigerian Army has announced that it would commence its annual military exercise tagged Operation Crocodile Smile nationwide.
This came after it issued a warning to Nigerians it tagged as “subversive elements and trouble makers”, vowing "it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.”
According to a press release by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, the exercise which is traditionally conducted in the last quarter of the year, will hold this year from October 20 to December 31.
He said this year’s exercise, Crocodile Smile VI, is deliberately intended to be all encompassing to include cyber warfare exercises designed to identify, track and counter negative propaganda in the social media and across the cyberspace.
He said: “This is the first ever Cyberwarfare exercise to be conducted in the history of the African Armed Forces. Accordingly, the exercise will also include positive identification component aimed at identifying Boko Haram terrorists fleeing from the North East and other parts of the country as a result of the ongoing operations in the various theatres of operations especially in the Northeast, North Central and North Western parts of Nigeria. “
Col. Musa said: “The Nigerian Army, once again, reassures all well meaning Nigerians of its commitment to the sustenance of peace and security in Nigeria and urges members of the public for their support and understanding throughout the period of the exercise."
The Army had previously made clear it allegiance is with the Nigerian government, and would do whatever it takes to keep government's troublemakers at bay.
The army authorities stated this via a release signed by Col Sagir Musa, Acting Director Army Public Relations on Wednesday.
The Nigerian Army in its message, titled: “Nigerian Army Remains Resolute To The Peace And Stability Of The Nation,” stated “The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law-abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria. As a responsible and law-abiding organisation, the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Country.
“The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such acts as it remains highly committed to defending the country and her democracy at all cost. The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively. All officers and men are directed never to be distracted by anti-democratic forces and agents of disunity.”