The Nigerian Army, says its efforts to curb kidnapping, militancy, armed robbery, cultism and other criminal activities in Cross River State ,particularly around the Bakassi area will begin to speak volumes.
The Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army Calabar, Brig.-General Everest Okoro, said this at the flag off of the Exercise
Still Water II at Ikang community in Bakassi local government area of the state.
Okoro said the exercise will conduct operations in both land and riverine environments that are volatile, unpredictable, chaotic and ambiguous in real-time.
The army Boss, said real-time operations would be used to counter security threats in the state ranging from kidnapping, armed banditry, arms smuggling/proliferation, militancy and cultism among others.
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He said the period was carefully selected by the Army Headquarters to checkmate the activities of criminals during the yuletide period and the political activities that have commenced towards the 2023 general elections.
The Commander who solicited the support of residents of the state towards the success of the exercise, noted that the exercise would also afford the army the opportunity to further cement the existing cordial civil-military cooperation, thereby facilitating civilian support to the military.
Also speaking, Governor Ben Ayade, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services in Governor’s Office, Alfred Mboto, commended the Synergy among the security agencies in the state and lauded them for their contribution towards peace building and security in Cross RiverState.
The troops are expected to conduct escort duties, imposition of curfew, rescue operations and raids to contain and deny criminals freedom of action in the area while the operation lasts.
(Editor: Hadiza.A.A)
