TheCable

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, has welcomed “Operation Crocodile Smile IV” by the Nigerian Army, saying the exercise is a right move towards ensuring peace and security in the south-west and south-south regions during the festive season.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony of the Nigeria Army’s 81 division exercise Crocodile Smile IV for Lagos and Ogun states held at Takwa Bay, Lagos, on Tuesday, the governor assured the Nigerian Army of his administration’s continued support as it engages in intensive security duties in the state while also urging citizens to be security conscious.

The governor who was represented by Obafemi Hamzat, his deputy, commended Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, for his “thoughtfulness and strategic foresight”, which brought about the idea of the exercise.

“From antecedents, the security issues prevalent in the yuletide are not lost on any of us as men of the underworld tend to perpetrate criminal acts during this period,” he said.

”We cannot thank you enough for your efforts and sacrifices for the resilience and determination towards providing security in Lagos state and other states across the country including the federal capital territory.”

While seeking the support for security operatives, the governor urged citizens to be security conscious and remain vigilant by being alive to activities in their environment.

He also advised residents to “see something and say something. The Police and other security personnel are not magicians and they don’t look at oracle, they listen to information. It is for all of us to conduct ourselves and just be our neighbours’ keeper.”

He further affirmed that beaches around Lagos, which are a beehive of activities, will remain safe with such security activities as the one planned and executed by the Nigerian army.