News
Army Flags Off Operation Crocodile Smile II …Not Solution To Agitations, Stakeholders Say
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army will today flag off its military operations code-named “Operation Crocodile Smile II” in the Niger Delta states.
The operation is coming barely three weeks after the authorities of the Military High Command launched the controversial “Operation Python Dance II” in the South-East.
In a statement, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the Division, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu said that this year’s exercise will formally begin this Saturday after its flag off and would last for 22 days.
But a cross section of Rivers residents has criticised the military operation, saying that it was not the solution to the agitations in the Niger Delta region.
The deputy director, Army public relations, however, explained that the military operation was designed to avail troops the opportunity to sharpen their combat skills in the conduct of land-based and joint riverine operations.
Aminu added, “The exercise is also planned to enable troops become relevant to Areas of Responsibility (AOR).”
According to him, “The exercise will also impart to the troops the importance of equipment maintenance, reconnaissance, inter-service and inter-agency cooperation, effective application of the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct as well as strict adherence to Rules of Engagement (ROE), proper handling of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), captured and surrendered hostile elements in line with international best practices”.
During the exercise, Aminu said “The soldiers will provide free medical care to host communities, Quick Impact Projects (QIP) and conduct of sanitation exercises for the benefit of the host communities as well as distribution of materials to schools as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSRP).”
He, therefore, solicited the understanding and cooperation of the general public in ensuring the success of the operations but allayed the fears that the operations will lead to unnecessary harassment and intimidation of the people.
Reacting to the development, an Ogoni-born Evangelist, Benjamin Harry Kpoasu said that the Federal Government, rather than float the Operation Crocodile Smile II, should develop Niger Delta to pacify the people from agitations.
The evangelist believed that no amount of military operations will proffer any better solutions to the problems affecting the Niger Delta region.
“We should think of how we can unite ourselves and develop the region, rather than intimidate the people with military operations. Our leaders should draw a master plan for youth development. If the youth are gainfully engaged, and there are basic amenities available, the agitations for any form of development will be drastically reduced”, Kposau said.
According to him, “When the leaders fail to put the necessary things in place for proper development of the nation and her people, there is bound to be agitations,” adding that “The only solution to the problem is how to develop the people in order to reduce tension, rather than militarize the people with Operation Crocodile Smile.”
Also reacting, Chidi Ikpeoha said the Federal Government should withdraw the soldiers from the midst of the people and send them back to their camp as their presence is intimidating and increasing fear in the people.
“People are agitating for their rights and they should not be treated as animals. In the face of mounting agitations it beholds on government to address the issues agitating the minds of the people and their fears. This, to my mind is the solution to the problem and not military operations”, Ikpeoha said.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana & Ozioma Eric Nworie
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.