Okowa lauds army-civil relations in Delta ~ Truth Reporters

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has commended the Nigerian Army for the healthy relationship between the military and the civil society in the state.

Okowa gave the commendation on Thursday at the Nigerian Army 63 Brigade Super Camp to train officers and men of the army for Operation Crocodile Smile IV.

He noted that the army has played significant role in fighting to restore law and order in the country and lauded the civil relations between the army and civil populace.

He commended the Brigade Commander for the proactive action and the willingness to go the extra mile in the discharge of his duties.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, however, urged the army to be professional and exercise restraint in dealing with the civilian population.

"First, let me thank the Commander of the 63 Brigade for the courtesy extended to me to witness this field training code named OPERATION CROCODILE SMILE IV.

"It is a very welcome development and clear demonstration of the vision and dedication of this command to ensure a safe and secure environment for all and sundry.

"I must thank the Nigerian Army for the enhancement of military civil relations in the state,’’ he said, adding that ‘’our people can now relate well with the military without exercising fears.

"However, there is the need for the men and officers of the force to be professional, methodical and restrained in dealing with the civilian population.

"Granted that certain security situations could be very tricky and tasking, I do believe that the predisposition of our security personnel should be towards problem solving and de-escalation of tension.



"They should be careful not to misconstrue cases of simple misdemeanors to be violent crimes. It is my considered view that the issue of maximum force should be a matter of last resort, especially when dealing with individuals.

"It is no secret that incidents of crime and crime-related activities tend to spike during the Christmas and New Year celebrations where miscreants take advantage of increased commercial activities during the period to inflict pain on unsuspecting citizens.

"Hence, I find it very encouraging and reassuring that the command has taken it upon itself to adopt strategic measures aimed at curtailing the nefarious activities of the criminal elements in our midst."

Okowa called on Deltans and indeed Nigerians to continue to show support and solidarity with soldiers who were daily fighting to preserve the collective peace and security of the nation.

Commander of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Usman Bello, thanked the governor for his support for the brigade describing him as "Friend of the Brigade".

He said that Operation Crocodile Smile IV 2019 had achieved its purpose as criminal activities had reduced considerably.

He explained that the exercise was geared towards ensuring inter-agency cooperation, adequate peace and security during the yuletide as well as for training of personnel on tactical skills required for riverside operations.