Thursday, July 9, 2026

Army launches “Operation Crocodile Smile” in Southeast

Nigerians are worried that the scheme might be deployed to extort and haras motorists.

• November 17, 2020
General-Tukur-Buratai
Photo of Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Photo Credit: @HQNigerianArmy) Twitter

The Nigerian Army is preparing for the launch of ‘Exercise Crocodile Smile VI’, Aliyu Yusuf, the spokesman of the  82 Division, Enugu said in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr. Aliyu said the army command has concluded plans for an inter-agency training workshop as part of the preparations for the operations.

“In line with Nigerian Army Training Directive 2020, 82 Division will be hosting a 2-day inter-agency training workshop to launch the Exercise Crocodile Smile VI in the South-East and Cross River.

“The workshop will be held between Nov. 18 and Nov. 19 at the division’s headquarters.

“The workshop is designed to further boost the existing cooperation among the various security agencies operating within 82 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR),’’ Mr. Yusuf stated.

The army spokesman said that the theme of the workshop: “Inter-agency collaboration: imperative for joint internal security operation,’’ would be achieved through carefully selected lectures.

The workshop is open to all security outfits and formations within the division’s AOR.

In the past, “Operation Crocodile Smile” has drawn criticism from Nigerians. Many complain that the army uses the operation to harass and extort motorists, especially during the Yuletide season.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Abisoye Coker-Odusote

NationWide

NIMC says new act enhances data identity protection of Nigerians

NIMC’s director-general, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, says the newly enacted NIMC Act 2026 has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.

Tunji Disu

NationWide

Public trust remains greatest asset, IGP Disu tells police chiefs

The inspector-general of police has urged global law enforcement leaders to ensure that technological innovations strengthen public trust, transparency and human rights.

Trump sitting with Zelensky

World

Ukraine to get licence to produce Patriot missiles, says Trump

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the U.S. would grant Ukraine access to produce Patriot air defence interceptors.

The Pitt, Pluribus

Showbiz

Pitt gets 25 Emmy nominations, sci-fi drama Pluribus has 18

U.S. hospital drama series The Pitt and Apple TV+ sci-fi drama Pluribus are among the top nominees for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma

Rights

Outrage as Zimbabwean husband flees UK after alleged murder of wife, daughters

The case has caused outrage on social media, with many calling for discussion about violence against black women.