Ahead of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai’s visit to Cross River State today (Wednesday), the Nigerian army has advised residents not to panic over the large movement of troops within the Calabar metropolis. According to a press release from the headquarters, 13 brigade of the Nigerian army in Calabar, Buratai…
Ahead of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai’s visit to Cross River State today (Wednesday), the Nigerian army has advised residents not to panic over the large movement of troops within the Calabar metropolis.
According to a press release from the headquarters, 13 brigade of the Nigerian army in Calabar, Buratai will visit the state to officially flag-off ‘Exercise Crocodile Smile’, currently ongoing in the Niger Delta region.
This came just as the 13 brigade, yesterday, in Calabar south area, provided free medical services to the residents, in view of the forthcoming exercise.
The statement, signed by the brigade’s Public Relations Officer (APRO), Captain Kolawole Owolabi, indicated that the visit would attract a large movement of troops in the state, and accordingly, urged residents to feel free while going about their lawful endeavours.
It further indicated that upon his arrival, the COAS, in company of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 division, Major Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, will pay a courtesy visit to the state’s governor, Prof. Ben Ayade.
“Following the deteriorating security situations in the Niger Delta by activities of militants in the area, Exercise Crocodile Smile has been scaled up to neutralize these threats.
“To this end, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. TY Burutai, in company of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 division, Major Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, will arrive Calabar to flag off Exercise Crocodile Smile on Wednesday ,7 September, 2016.
“Consequently, members of the public are advised not to panic when they see large movement of troops within Calabar,” the statement read.