SAN FRANCISCO, October 19, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Army says its ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ is not targeted at the #EndSWAT protests.
A statement by the Army Spokesperson, Musa Sagir explained that the exercise, scheduled to commence from October 20, to December 31, 2020, has no relationship with any lawful protest under any guise whatsoever.
“For the records, Exercise Crocodile Smile is a yearly exercise in the Nigerian Army calendar/forecast of events which traditionally holds from October to December of each year. 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”, the statement read in part.
Colonel Musa explained that the exercise was deliberately intended to be all-encompassing to include cyber warfare operations. The cyber-warfare operation, he stated, was designed to identify, track, and counter negative propaganda on social media and across cyberspace.
“This is the first-ever cyber warfare exercise to be conducted in the history of the African Armed Forces. “Accordingly, the exercise will also include positive identification component aimed at identifying Boko Haram terrorists fleeing from the North East and other parts of the country as a result of the ongoing operations in the various theatres of operations, especially in the North East, North Central, and North Western parts of Nigeria”, the statement said.
ALSO READ: #EndSARS: Senate President, Ahmad Lawan Urges Protesters To Halt Demonstrations
The army spokesman reassured all well-meaning Nigerians of the commitment of the Force to the sustenance of peace and security in the country. He also urged members of the public to show support and understanding throughout the period of the exercise.
About the Author
