‘Exercise Still Waters III’ Makes Significant Strides in Curbing Criminal Activities

Published By Aisha Rabo Last updated Nov 29, 2023

‘Exercise Still Waters III’ Makes Significant Strides in Curbing Criminal Activities

In a press briefing held at the Army Headquarters Conference Room on November 29, 2023, the Director of Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing Nigerian Army Exercises, with a particular focus on the achievements of “Exercise Still Waters III” in the Southwest region.

Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), flagged off three major exercises – Still Waters, Enduring Peace, and Golden Dawn – on October 9, 2023. These exercises, covering 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory, aim to address the rising tide of crime as the year comes to a close.

“Troops have been executing operations with an offensive posture, engaging in both kinetic and non-kinetic activities such as raids on criminal hideouts and patrols. The briefing highlighted the successes of these operations across the country,” the Army Public Relations Officer, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu stated.

On November 2, 2023, troops of 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Command, conducted a successful raid operation in Ifako Ijaye.

This operation led to the arrest of 50 suspects engaged in international job racketeering. In a parallel development on the same day, the same troops apprehended two suspects at a hotel in Ogba, Ikeja, connected to the murder of Malam Idris Ardo in Plateau State.

Preliminary investigations indicate that one of the arrested suspects masterminded the killing and had been on the run since the incident.

In a series of commendable achievements, the Nigerian Army has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to security and public safety during “Exercise Still Waters III” in the South South region.

On November 1, 2023, troops from the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, patrolling Obagie Nevbosa and Amagba communities, apprehended two suspected criminals at Okunswa Bana junction in Ikpoba Ohja LGA of Edo State.

This operation not only led to the arrest of the individuals but also resulted in the confiscation of a Magnum Pump Action Gun, one live cartridge, and the retrieval of three mobile phones, showcasing the military’s dedication to curbing criminal activities.

Subsequently, on November 4, 2023, the swift response of troops from the 63 Brigade Garrison to a distress call in Oshimili South LGA of Delta State prevented a potential robbery incident. Three suspects were apprehended, and seized items included a Pistol, 2 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and knives. Moving forward, on November 14, 2023, troops from the 13 Brigade executed a successful raid operation in Ikot Ansa, Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State. This operation resulted in the neutralization of a notorious criminal, the recovery of a locally made pistol loaded with one round of 9mm ammunition, and the heroic rescue of three captives from a kidnappers’ den.

The press briefing stated in additionally that, two suspects were neutralized during this bold operation. Lastly, on November 15, 2023, the collaborative efforts of troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion and personnel from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led to the raid of a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout at Bossolom, Ukolobi, Iyerovne streets in Ozoro town, Isoko North LGA of Delta State. This operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of substances suspected to be louds, Cannabis, Swinol, and Rizler.

The arrested suspects and the seized exhibits were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA Kwande Command for further legal action.

These decisive actions underscore the efficiency and success of “Exercise Still Waters III” in maintaining public safety and combating criminal elements in the South South region.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja thereby commended the troops for their modest successes across all the exercises. He specifically praised the achievements of “Exercise Still Waters III” in the South West and South South. “It is important that you maintain your momentum to decisively curtail criminal activities nationwide.

You must be professional, vigilant, and respect fundamental human rights of the people,” he charged the troops, encouraging citizens to take ownership of the ongoing exercises by providing actionable information to security agencies.

‘Exercise Still Waters III’ Makes Significant Strides in Curbing Criminal Activities