Four soldiers were yesterday drowned when their gunboat capsized on Brass waterways, Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State about 10a.m. Eight others were injured.
The accident is a major calamity for the ongoing military exercise in the Niger Delta, “Operation Crocodile Smile”.The Niger Delta operation, which is being coordinated by the 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was designed by the military to equip the amphibious and internal security operations in the riverine areas against militants.
The accident is a major calamity for the ongoing military exercise in the Niger Delta, “Operation Crocodile Smile”.The Niger Delta operation, which is being coordinated by the 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was designed by the military to equip the amphibious and internal security operations in the riverine areas against militants.
The cause of the accident was not disclosed. Some sources blamed it on technical problems arising from overloading. Others said turbulence caused by massive movements of bigger boats capsized the ill-fated gunboat.
Meanwhile Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared his support for military operation in the Niger Delta, codenamed the Operation Crocodile Smile, saying it would bring peace to the region.
He also said he would do everything necessary to ensure peace and security in the Niger Delta.
This is as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, explained that the operation was introduced to train army personnel on the techniques of operating in the Niger Delta.
Wike spoke on Monday when he granted audience to Buratai and some senior army officers at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor said: “The Rivers State Government is fully in support of the Operation Crocodile Smile. I was fully briefed by the Brigade Commander and we associate ourselves with the programme because it will make the Niger Delta safer.
“One of the advantages of the programme is that hoodlums in the creeks are being uprooted for a safer Niger Delta. I support the programme insofar as it is done with the constitution “.
He also said the state government would sustain its support for security agencies to create the right atmosphere for democratic governance.
The governor disclosed that the State Government had procured six new armoured personnel carriers (APC) for the Police and in the process of concluding the acquisition of 10 gunboats for the Nigerian Navy.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, said the Operation Crocodile Smile would ensure that the security challenges in the Niger Delta were addressed and peace enhanced.
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