Warri- In continuation of the ongoing “Exercise Crocodile Smile II”, the Nigerian Army 3 Battalion in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State on Tuesday October 10 took its medical outreach programme to Egbokodo-Itsekiri Community with a call on residents to cooperate and see the Army as their friend.
The Commander of the Joint Task Force in Niger Delta (Sector 1), Colonel. A M Grema enjoined residents to embrace the free medical programme as well as help the Army with useful information during the exercise.
Colonel Grema stated that “Exercise Crocodile Smile 1I” is an avenue for the Army to train its personnel on how to deal with contemporary challenges.
Colonel Grema assured the people of the area that they have nothing to be afraid of if they are not criminals.
“You have nothing to fear if you are not a criminal. Enjoy our free medical outreach, cooperate. If you have any information that can help us in the exercise, we welcome it.”
“It is in continuation of the first edition of this exercise. Last year we had Exercise Crocodile Smile I. This is Exercise Crocodile Smile II. It’s not much. We are just using it as an avenue to train our personnel on how to deal with contemporary challenges.”
Addressing the people of Egbokodo-Itsekiri Community,the Commanding Officer 3 Battalion, Maj. A T Abdulkadri begged residents to report any areas of “Critical Security Challenges” to the Army and other sister Security Agencies as well as provide same with vital information on areas that is of threat to them.
Maj. Abdulkadri stated that the “Exercise Crocodile Smile” is in synergy with all other Security Agencies including the Police, Department for State Security,DSS and other sister agencies.
Maj. Abdulkadri noted that the Army is in the Community to ensure that criminals are driven from the Community with “Exercise Crocodile Smile II”.
“Operation Crocodile Smile II” is an all-encompassing operation which involves both civil/military cooperation activities of the Army that will rid the entire area of criminals and lawlessness.
“This is just one of the series of activities lined up for the ongoing Operation Crocodile Smile. It is a way of bringing the Army closer to the people. Just a way of telling the people that the Army is here for them.”
“The people of Egbokodo-Itsekiri Community are most lucky to be the first beneficiaries of this Ongoing Exercise Crocodile Smile II. Much more civil/military cooperation activities will still be conducted as events unfold.”
Egbokodo Community Spokesman,Mr. Joseph Tete disclosed that there was “No military intimidation” saying the Army has come to help them.
Tete commended the Army for the free medical care provided indigenes of the community”We need more of this often to take care of our health. Thank you. They’ve tried a lot to bring the programme to us.”
Egbokodo Community Youth Chairman, Comrade Blessing Atiwa corroborated the claims of the Spokesman and appreciated the Army for its kind gesture.
Atiwa described the claims of the military of alleged intimidation by the Army as “rumor” just as he urged indigenes and residents to come out enmass to enjoy the programme.
Eldest Woman in Egbokodo-Itsekiri Community, Titi Ajisha who is one of the beneficiaries said,” The thing wey dem do good. I like am. I thank Army o. God bless Una.”
Mrs. Jolomi Odey, another beneficiary also hailed the Army for the free medical care.
The Army also offered Blood pressure, Random blood Sugar and free consultation with medical doctors, physiotherapy and free medication.
