The Nigerian Army 4 Brigade, Benin City, Edo State will commence a field Training Exercise, nicknamed “Exercise CROCODILE SMILE IV“ from November 8 to December 24, 2019.
The Brigade’s Public Relations Officer, Maj. Ojo Adenegan on Wednesday in a statement explained that the exercise is in accordance with the Nigerian Army Forecast of Event 2019 and part of the Nigerian Army’s constitutional role of acting in aid to civil authority in combating the various security threats in the state.
He explained that within the period, mass movement of troops, military weapons and equipment would be noticed in both interland and waterways in the state and its environs.
He said: “The exercise will be conducted in conjunction with other security agencies to further sustain the existing synergy between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state.
“The objective of the exercise is to combat and reduce to the barest minimum the prevailing security challenges in the state.“
The major, who identified the challenges as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, pipeline vandalism and other sundry crimes, said the exercise was to enhance the security of lives and property.
“In line with the programmed activities for the Exercise, the Brigade will organise training for participants on Monday, November 11 at Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai hall headquarters, 4 Brigade.
“The flag-off ceremony will take place on Tuesday November 12 with a free Medical Outreach at Ikpako Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo.
“Subsequently, Medical Outreach and other Civil – Military Cooperation activities will be held across the 3 Senatorial Districts in the state.”
He further said that for information sharing and quick response to distress calls, members of the public should contact the Brigade Headquarters’ Number 08078836282 and Nigerian Army Call Centre Number (193).
“We are also using this medium to advise the general public in the state and its environs not to panic but go about their legitimate businesses without fear throughout the period of the exercise.
“The exercise will be conducted in line with the Nigerian Army Rules of engagement and Code of Conducts, guiding exercise of this nature.”
