Army lauds security agencies’ partnership to stem criminality in Ondo

The Commander of 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Zakari Abubakar, has applauded other security agencies for their collaboration and co-operation during the Operation Crocodile Smile IV exercise held in southern part of Ondo State.

The exercise was conducted in conjunction with other security agencies to further sustain the existing synergy between the Nigerian Army and other sister-agencies and to prevent stockpiling of arms and ammunition by criminals in the state.

A statement yesterday by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Brigade, Major Victor Olukoya, said the Commander equally thanked the GOC for his support and also appreciated the governor and all paramount rulers, community leaders, local council chairmen and the host battalion, 19 Battalion Rear.

He also commended the various agencies during the occasion of the fire night and closing ceremony of Operation Crocodile Smile IV held on Tuesday in Okitipupa.

According to Abubakar, “it is worthy to state that 32 Artillery Brigade, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, police and other security agencies, has made tremendous effort within the past two months in stemming criminality within southern part of Ondo State. The super camp concept has not only enhanced inter-agencies collaboration but has brought out efforts and unity of inter-agencies.

“It has become imperative for me to appreciate all the head of security agencies that participated in this exercise for their collaboration and co-operation with the Army for the interest of national security to ensure that the state and the country at large are free from crimes.

“I want to thank you for your co-operation because the successes we recorded within the past two months of this exercise would not have been possible without you.

“I know that there is existing cordial relationship between Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, DSS, NSCDC, Correctional Services, Customs, Immigration, FRSC and Vigilante but this super camp has further strengthened relationship that earlier existed. And I believe this relationship will be improved upon as we keep conducting the operation in Ondo State and beyond.

“It is now clear that when security agencies synergise together, we deliver better on our various core responsibility because we are all players in the security spectrum but with each of us having a particular sector to take care of.”