The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, Wednesday disclosed that militancy in the creeks of Bakassi and Akpabuyo local government areas of Cross River State, would be crushed soon by the military.
Buratai stated this during the launch of “Exercise Crocodile Smile” at the jetty of the Amphibious Training School (ATS) of the Nigerian Army in Calabar, the Cross River capital.
He said that the exercise was aimed at equipping army personnel deployed to the coastal areas with competent amphibious skills to help them curb militancy, pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
He said, “the Nigerian Army must continue to make progress in its determination to rid the riverside areas of activities of militants.
“We must keep our country safe at all times, even after the exercise; we must continue to maintain our presence at sea and in all the troubled areas and hot spots.
“I know the role the amphibious personnel are playing; amphibious operations are very difficult operations; it requires special training and re-training to fit in.
“On this regard, the ATS will give all the necessary support that is required for the personnel to perform very well.
“We are making efforts to also fix all the broken-down platforms and indeed, acquire more to enhance our operational capabilities in the riverside environment.
“We are also going to enhance our training in this regards. I must commend all the soldiers for their support in keeping our nation safe”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the COAS also inaugurated five operational boats during the ceremony.
Earlier, Commandant of the training school, Brig.-Gen. Temitope Ademola, had said that the ATS, established in 1984, had the mandate to train and prepare soldiers for amphibious warfare.
According to Ademola, the ATS needs more operational equipment that will enhance its amphibious activities.
He appealed to the COAS to approve the supply of the needed equipment to the school.
Earlier in a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Ivara Esu, the COAS said that the army would collaborate with the state government in revamping the Tinapa Business Resort.
He said that the collaboration would strengthen existing relationship between the state and the army.
Responding, Esu said that the COAS had changed the face of Nigeria Army by motivating the troops with his presence at the Sambisa forest.
“We have no choice as a government than to give you all the necessary support you need in this exercise.
“Cross River needs the heavy presence of the military in other to sustain the existing peace we enjoy”, he said.
military will soon get
rid off millitant in creek of c/rivers wen are u people going to save us from herdsmen attack from your brothers, hypocrites, all of u all.