Ijaw youths apologize to Nigerian military

Some youth from the Ijaw communities have apologized to the Nigerian military over casualties it faced while operating in the Niger Delta region

The youth under the Ijaw Youth Congress however urged the military to ensure they adhere to the rules of engagement while carrying out their operations in the region

The Ijaw Youth Congress has apologized to Nigerian military over casualties recorded in the Niger Delta Region throughout the ongoing ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, after a national executive council meeting on Wednesday, September 14, the national president of the congress Elvis Donkemezuo said it has become appropriate for the body to apologize to the military

Donkemezuo also applauded the Nigerian military for their efforts toward clearing the region of all forms of crimes especially militancy.

Commending the Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai and the Nigerian army for introducing Operation Crocodile Smile, Donkemezuo said piracy and criminality which were high in the region have reduced drastically.

He said: “We want to commend the military for operation Crocodile Smile. We understand that Niger Delta is faced with series of piracy attacks. A fortnight ego, soldiers were attacked in some creeks in Nembe. No government will fold it arms and allow its military to be attacked by any criminal group. It is not in the style of Ijaw people.”

Adding that the people of Ijaw are unique Donkemezuo said: “We sympathize and express our sincere apologies to the military on the casualties they suffered in the Niger Delta in a bid to secure the Nigerian state, the region and the oil facilities.”

The youth leader also urged the military to ensure they adhere to the rules of engagement while carrying out their operations.

He further charged residents of Niger Delta region to give the military the needed support to succeed in the operation.

Since the incessant attack in the region by the Niger Delta militants, the Nigerian military established the ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ to check such criminality.

However, in the north eastern region, Boko Haram terrorists have threatened to capture President Muhammdu Buhari in their latest video.

This threat comes after the President Buhari-led administration claimed it had defeated the terrorist group.