Kwara govt rallies support for army’s ‘Operation Still Water III’

As the Nigerian Army maps out strategy, code-named “Operation Still Water III” to flush out criminals in some areas of Ifelodun Local Council of Kwara State, the state government has implored traditional rulers and stakeholders to cooperate with the Army troops and other security agencies towards achieving desired goals.

The assistance, according to the state government, will be timely and ceaseless sharing of information with the security personnel “to achieve their constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the citizens.”

The state governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who spoke at the flag-off of the exercise at Oro Ago, emphasised the importance of peaceful society.

Abdulrazaq, represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, said the Nigerian Army, working in synergy with sister-services and other security agencies, was desirous of meeting the expectations of Nigerians in tackling the security challenges in the area and beyond.

“Their success depends on the support given to them by different communities.

“The military exercise is another effort to checkmate and ward off criminal elements from gaining a toehold in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

“It’s a thing of joy that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies are synergising to stamp out different crimes like terrorism, insurgency, banditry and kidnapping, among others.

“We are succeeding, regardless of the mutation of these criminal elements in whatever form,” he said.

The governor specially commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, for his visionary leadership style and strategic thinking in conceiving the idea of organising the exercise.

He also commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. B. A. Alabi, for ensuring the exercise.
He appreciated the Commander, 22 Brigade Ilorin, Brig.-Gen. Adebayo Babalola, for his support in sustaining peace and stability in the state.

Meanwhile, Babalola, in his response, said the exercise was to ensure a peaceful, stable and secure environment for the celebration of the festive seasons and ensure economic activities continue to thrive without fear and panic.

He warned criminals to stay away from Kwara State, and urged the support of the people of the state by providing information that would be essential to clear criminals out of the state.