- Says insinuation that exercise meant to stifle ongoing ENDSARS protest “is sheer misinformation”
The Nigerian Army has backed away from its avowed stand to be the military solution to the ongoing EndSARS protests, denying any linkage between the newly-launched Exercise Crocodile Smile VI and the protests which started because of extra-judicial killing, extortion, intimidation and torture by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, said in a statement on Sunday night in Abuja that far from being a tool to the EndSARS protests, the exercise is a yearly event set out to train officers and men in its efforts to ensure safety and security of Nigeria and its citizens.
“It is a yearly exercise in the Army Calendar/Forecast of Events which traditionally holds from October to December of each year, Musa said.
According to him, this year’s exercise is scheduled to commence from Tuesday October 20 to December 31, stating that it has no relationship with any lawful protest under any guise whatsoever.
Said the Army Spokesperson, “to now insinuate that it is an exercise meant to stifle the ongoing ENDSARS protest is sheer misinformation.
“So far, the Army has acted professionally since the civil protest started over two weeks ago.
“The Army hereby enjoins all law-abiding Nigerians to go about their lawful activities unhindered.”
But the rhetoric of the Army since the commencement of the protests has left no one in doubt that it is ready to intervene militarily to put an end to the agitation which has entered the 13th day Monday.
For example, on Wednesday night, while responding to the protests, the Army restated its loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari and vowed to protect the nation’s democracy “at all cost.”
While directing all its officers and soldiers never to be distracted by “anti-democratic forces and agents of disunity,” the statement, which was criticised by many Nigerians, said that the Nigerian Army “is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively.”
The statement raised alarms among the citizens. Defence Headquarters, speaking for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, then issued a much more conciliatory statement, expressing dismay at “some violence-related protests across the country; particularly the increasing number of attacks on peaceful protesters by thugs and miscreants. This unfolding event against peace loving Nigerians will not be condoned. Hence, thugs and miscreants are hereby warned to desist from engaging in violent activities against peaceful Nigerians henceforth, or face appropriate measures.
“Thus, the Military High Command duly encourages peaceful citizens to go about their normal activities without fear of intimidation or harassment as the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies are on ground for their safety. In clear terms, any attempt to undermine the democracy of our beloved nation under any cover will not be allowed. For emphasis, the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains subordinated to the civil authorities of the country with unflinching loyalty to the President Commander in Chief.
“Additionally, the Military High Command wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security, and the defence of democracy in Nigeria. The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies hereby commends all citizens particularly those who genuinely express their concerns in an organized, patriotic and civil manner.”
Then, on Saturday, Army Spokesperson, Colonel Musa, announced the commencement of the exercise on Tuesday, adding that part of the military exercise includes “cyber warfare exercises designed to identify, track and counter negative propaganda in the social media and across the cyberspace.”
The mobilization and operations of the End SARS protesters are largely social media driven, meaning that the Army is most likely going to be drawn into conflict with them.
According to the statement by Musa, “the exercise will also include positive identification component aimed at identifying Boko Haram terrorists fleeing from the North East and other parts of the country as a result of the ongoing operations in the various theatres of operations especially in the Northeast, North Central and North Western parts of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Army, once again, reassures all well-meaning Nigerians of its commitment to the sustenance of peace and security in Nigeria and urges members of the public for their support and understanding throughout the period of the exercise.”
Since the announcement of the exercise, various Civil Society groups, religious leaders and media have warned the Army on the consequences of throwing itself into the protest arena, leading to Sunday night’s avowal response.
