JOE EFFIONG, UYO
The Akwa Ibom Government has charged the Nigerian army to extend its security oprations to the  maritime areas of the state in order to checkmate the rising incidence of piracy and other coastal crminalities.
Governor Udom Emmanuel who stated this at the flag-off of the “Exercise Still Water 2” at the 2 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, Mbiokporo Nsit in Akwa Ibom State, noted that the extension of the exercise to cover the 129 km coastline in the state, would lead to the flushing out of all sea pirates and criminals in the waterways and enabling the fishermen to go on with their businesses unmolested.
Represented by the  deputy governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, the governor noted that the synergy between the Nigerian army and other security agencies has engendered peace in the state.
While explaining that the security disposition of the army in the state has contributed significantly to the development and progress that the state  currently makes, the governor said the state government would continue to partner the Nigerian army and other security agencies in promoting effective security to safeguard lives and property in the state
“We commend the 2 Brigade for what they have been doing to maintain peace and order in the state, from the bottom of my heart,  I appreciate your work.
“I urge you to extend the exercise to maritime area for more peace in our waterways. As a state government, we will continue to support the army,” Emmanuel said.
He urged the army to always show love towards other security agencies in the state and continue to promote good military civilian relationship, even as there has not been any case of strained relationship between the army and the host communities.
Earlier, the commanding officer, 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, said that “Exercise Still Water 2” was the brigade’s field training designed to exercise units and sub units in combating prevailing  and emerging security threats across the brigade’s area of responsibility.
He said the exercise would serve as a precursor to real-time operations to checkmate the multifarious security challenges prevalent in the state.
According to him, the exercise would tackle security  challenges such as militancy, separatist agitations, pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering, cultism and communal clashes, among others.
Wase added that participants for the exercise were drawn from units under the command, sister services and other security agencies.
“The coming together of security agencies for this exercise will no doubt enhance synergy and inter-agency cooperation in joint environment.
“This is hinged upon the desire of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division to consistently push for security agencies to jointly tackle the emerging security threats,” Wase stated.
The brigade commander, added that during the exercise, the 2 Brigade Nigerian  Army would render free medical outreach to some communities in the state.
He noted that in the event of any security threat, the general public can reach the command through 09070077175 or 08163256562 to report cases of distress for prompt action.
According to him, the Exercise Still Water 11 which commenced on October 2, 2022, will last till December 22  to enhance collaborations and inter-agency cooperation in the state.
Participants in the exercise  later went on patrol of major streets across the state capital even as the governor performed the flag off of the brigade’s free medical treatment exercise to the public.