Insecurity: Army flags off exercise Still Waters III in A’Ibom

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army has flagged off Exercise Still Waters III in Essien Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom to tackle all forms of security threats in the state.

The Commander, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ken Chigbu, described the exercise as an annual field training event aimed at bringing together all the security agencies in the state to sharpen their skills on the rudiments of internal security operations.

The commander expressed hope that it would provide an opportunity for joint efforts to tackle the emerging security threats in the state especially this yuletide period.

He said that the 2 Brigade in collaboration with other sister security agencies in the state have supported the State Government through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to effectively tackle the threats bedevilling the state.

“It is with a deep sense of humility and appreciation that I welcome you all to the Step-up Headquarters and flag-off ceremony for Exercise STILL WATERS III hosted by 2 Brigade Nigerian Army in Ikot Afanag, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

“This event could not have come at a better time than now when there are growing concerns about the several security challenges confronting our dear State and nation at large.

“Suffice to recall that Exercise STILL WATERS is an annual field training exercise designed to serve as a unique forum where personnel of the security agencies in Akwa Ibom State converge to sharpen their skills on the rudiments of internal security operations, particularly to checkmate the security threats in the State through the yuletide season,” Chigbu said.

Chigbu said that the 2 Brigade, under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.- Gen. JH Abdussalam is currently undergoing unprecedented changes.

He noted that the Brigade and indeed the Division have continued to benefit immensely from the Chief of Army Staff Command Philosophy which is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.

He, therefore, thanked the heads of other security agencies for their synergy and support in fighting insecurity as well as the Akwa Ibom government for honouring their invitation and the support given to security agencies.

In his remarks, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, who was represented by his Deputy, Sen. Akon Eyankenyi, commended the 2 Brigade for collaborating with other security agencies to ensure adequate security in the state especially in the area of intelligence sharing.

Eno commended the 2 Brigade for siting its base in Ikot Afanag, a volatile area ravaged by the activities of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

He said that their presence has restored peace and normalcy in the area and many displaced persons have returned to their communities.

Eno pledged commitment to deepening cooperation with the 2 Brigade to ensure that Akwa Ibom people and other residents enjoy maximum security and maintain its status as one of the most peaceful and secured states in Nigeria.

Our correspondent reports that highlight of events were crowd dispersal drills, aerial surveillance/support for the flag-off event by the Nigerian Air Force, presentation of souvenirs and medical outreach.