The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emabong Udoh, said Python Dance 2 and Crocodile Smile 2 exercises were successfully conducted.

He said that the exercises, which were part of training activities of the army in 2017, helped to curtail criminal activities and other crimes in the country.

Udoh stated this at the 2018 West Africa Social Activities (WASA) celebration of the Army, which ended late on Saturday in Dodan Barracks, Lagos.

He said that WASA was one of the ways of keeping the traditions of the army, explaining that it was usually organised to mark the end of a training year and beginning of another one.

“The 2017 training activities, though challenging, were very intensive in the Nigerian Army and in 81 Division for that matter.

“All the exercises programmed for the year were successfully held as scheduled. Exercises like Python Dance 2 and Crocodile Smile 2 were successfully conducted,” he said.

The GOC, therefore, urged personnel to remain committed and be ready to give their best in the new training year.

“This is in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision which is to have a responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles,” he said.

He urged officers and men of the division to remain focused, dedicated and resilient in order to consolidate on the achievements so far recorded.

“I also pay my tribute to our fallen heroes, who paid the supreme price to keep the country safe,” he added.

In his remarks, a former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Alexander Ogomudia (retd.), urged army officers and men to remain resilient in the discharge of their duties to ensure peace and stability in the country.

Ogomudia said: “You are all aware of the security challenges confronting the nation and the roles each and every one of us have to play to increase the level of security.

“The Nigerian Army has been actively involved in the fight against all forms of insecurity and it has made substantial gains in this fight.

“This has been made possible by your commitment, dedication, sacrifices and synergy with other security agencies.

“I urge you not to rest on your oars but work assiduously with other security agencies towards maintaining and improving the security in the country.”

He said that “Operation Crocodile Smile 2’’ was one of the success stories of the army in 2017 and commended the personnel for the sacrifice and achievement.

“I commend the army for their collaboration with members of other security agencies in contributing to the successes recorded in the various internal security operations in Lagos and the country.”

He pointed out that WASA was aimed at fostering unity among army personnel, their families as well as improving civilian-military relations.

The event featured Tug of War contest, dances by cultural groups as well as presentation of gifts and awards to distinguished soldiers and guests.

Top serving and retired military officers and captains of industries attended the occasion. (NAN)

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