TheCable

To address the security challenges in Ogun and its environs, the Nigerian army said on Sunday that it had concluded plans to launch a new security initiative code-named Operation Crocodile Smile.

Basil Adoke, the brigade commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, disclosed this at a reception organised by the state government as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 57th Independence anniversary.

Adoke said the initiative would commence “in the next couple of days” across the state and its environs, and that it is targeted at miscreants.

“We are going to start Operation Crocodile Smile in Ogun and it involves series of actions to step up tempo targeted at miscreants,” Adoke said.

The commander, who allayed fears over the initiative, called on residents to be calm, stressing that some miscreants had been identified and would be flushed out.

“Though the state is relatively peaceful but we still have some miscreants to deal with, so when you see Crocodile Smile, don’t be scared,” he said.

According to him, the exercise is a replica of Operation Python Dance recently carried out in Abia to tackle crime.

Responding, Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun governor, commended the roles of security operatives in the state since he took over in 2011.

Amosun pledged continued support on any programme to make the state crime-free.

“I want to appreciate our security agencies and we will continue to support security measures put in place to silence criminals in our state,” he said.

“This is because Ogun has grown to become the economic hub of Nigeria and investments can only continue to thrive in an environment of peace and order.”