Army says, ‘Crocodile Smile’ not targeted at #EndSARS protesters

Yusuf Bello| The Nigerian Army on Sunday clarified that “Operation Crocodile Smile” is not targeted at #EndSARS protesters.

The Nigerian Army had on Saturday announced that its annual Operation Crocodile Smile would hold between October 20 and December 31 nationwide.

The announcement raised concern in the face of #EndSars protests currently being hed by youths across the cotry.

But in a statement on Sunday, acting director of army public relations, Sagir Musa, said the operation will tackle cyber warfare and insurgency in the country, particularly in the North-East, where Boko Haram insurgents have caused massive destruction.

“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to some social media stuff wrongfully condemning the Army and its Leadership over the announcement of Exercise Crocodile Smile VI particularly the Cyber Warfare Component of the Exercise” the statement read in part.

“This year’s Exercise Crocodile Smile is scheduled to commence from the 20th of October to the 31st of December 2020 has no relationship with any lawful protest under any guise whatsoever.

“For the records, Exercise Crocodile Smile is a yearly exercise in the NA Calendar/Forecast of Events which traditionally holds from October to December of each year.

“Thus, to now insinuate that it is an exercise meant to stifle the ongoing #EndSARS protest is to say the least highly misinformed. Exercise Crocodile Smile VI has nothing to do with the ongoing protest and the NA has never been involved in the ongoing protest in any form whatsoever. So far, the army has acted professionally since the civil protest started over two weeks ago.

“The army hereby enjoins all law-abiding Nigerians to go about their lawful activities unhindered as the Exercise has nothing to do with #EndSARS protest, but a yearly event set out to train NA officers and soldiers in its efforts to ensuring safety and security of Nigeria and her citizens.”