The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai on Monday said the ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ will ensure peace in the Niger Delta region.

Buratai said this during a visit to Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

Buratai who was accompanied by some top military officer said the Operation Crocodile Smile was aimed at training army personnel on amphibious operations.

“The Operation Crocodile Smile is an exercise to train our troops on amphibious operations.”

“Our waters are generally porous. The Nigerian Army has amphibious capabilities in conjunction with the Nigerian Navy to carry out limited operations within the creeks,” Buratai said.

He said the Army would also embark on social services in the region, and pointed out that troops have embarked on medical outreach in Bille in Rivers State and  Nembe in Bayelsa State.

In his response, Governor Nyesom Wike, stated that the state will support the Operation Crocodile Smile exercise.

Wike said, “The Rivers State Government is fully in support of the Operation Crocodile Smile. I was fully briefed by the Brigade Commander and we associate ourselves with the programme because it will make  the Niger Delta safer.

“One of the advantages of the programme is that hoodlums in the creeks are being uprooted for a safer Niger Delta. I support  the programme  insofar  as it is done with the constitution.”

Azeez