Ikorodu people woke up on Wednesday October 25, 2017 with consternation fearing that their town had been invaded by the soldiers or that the nation had witnessed another military coup.
But they were entirely wrong as more than hundred of combat ready Nigerian soldiers were on a friendly visit to pay a courtesy call on His Majesty Oba Kabiru Shotobi and to brief Ikorodu people on the ongoing Military operation code named OPS Crocodile Smile as it affects this environment.
Palpable fear cut across the town on that Wednesday as youths gathered to speculate whether their Oba Shotobi was under arrest or whether the soldiers had invaded the community for other reasons.
Accompanied by top Generals, and other Commanders, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai stormed the Ayangbure Palace at about 11:00am and the area was immediately cordoned off up to Ikorodu round about where stern looking soldiers took strategic positions with their battle dresses and AK -47 rifles.
But because this was a scheduled visit, His Majesty Oba Shotobi was at ease. He had invited Obas on the division from Imota, Igbogbo, Egbin and Ibeshe as well as Osugbo cult members, Erelus, chiefs from Agbuwa and other traditional chiefs in their white attires to witness the event and welcome the visitors.
The Chief of Army Staff had come to thank the people of Ikorodu for being good hosts to the 174 Batallion stationed at Odogunyan especially the cooperation between that unit and the people of Ikorodu division.
He had also come to brief Ikorodu people on the ongoing nationwide military operations with different code names – Python Dance for South East, Lafia Dole (Scorpion) for North East Region and Crocodile Smile for South South and South West.
These military exercises are said to be routine efforts to sound warnings to criminal elements and those militants/terrorists trying to destabilize the country.
Oba Shotobi, who is a hospitable royal father, invited many Ikorodu top dignitaries to be part of the reception and prepared a gift for his visitor. The visit lasted about one hour and both Oba Shotobi and Brutai exchanged gifts.
In his speech, the army chief expressed appreciation to the people of Ikorodu for their uncommon hospitality and great achievements in terms of trade, economic growth and international relations. General Buratai also told the traditional rulers, chiefs and others present that their visit was a courtesy one and mainly centered on the military exercise tagged, “Operation Crocodile smile 2.” He disclosed that the first phase of the operation, “Crocodile smile I” was successful because of the support and cooperation the military got from the people.
While acknowledging the presence of Ikorodu traditional rulers at the launching of the exercise at Tarkwa Bay in Lagos, Buratai said, “I want to say that the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the people of Ikorodu has been quite cordial and I appreciate that.
We must work together to ensure that these social vices and criminal activities were gotten rid of in our society,” he stated.
The army boss, therefore thanked the people of Ikorodu in anticipation of the success of “Crocodile Smile 2” and stated that the Nigerian Army would continue to rely on people with respect to providing some very key information and useful advice. He wished all the traditional rulers and people of Ikorodu long life, good health, God’s guidance and prosperity.
In his response, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Shotobi said that Isawo and Agbowa were put into consideration during the launching of “Crocodile Smile 2” and that government was doing everything possible to rid the area of crimes.
According to him, the wish of the military was to see peace in Ikorodu division. He said that he was personally present at the launching of the Crocodile Smile in Lagos, which gave him opportunity to know more about military efforts in ending criminal activities in the country. In his view, the military exercise was not targeted against any community or individuals but an operation launched to maintain peace and order.
Oba Shotobi commended the military for various facilities and medical equipment with which they have been assisting Nigerians.
While expressing his desire to have such facilities in his domain, Oba Shotobi regretted that land availability might pose a challenge to such realization. However, he immediately called on his Baales (Communities chiefs) to provide a land for the Nigerian Army in their domains.
He said that if this was done, the Military personnel at Isawo would vacate the private property they were currently using and establish their center with full facilities there.
One of the Baales, Chief Musendiku Ibrahim, Baale Oke-Oko, Isawo came out and pledged to offer Nigerian Army ten acres (10) in his domain.
Oba Shotobi also recalled that he was not comfortable with the kind of settlement the military officers fighting criminals at Isawo were having. The monarch said that he had talked with General Buratai on how the area could be better secured and he had told him the kind of boat needed for operations in the area. He expressed his appreciation to the military chief and his entourage for paying him a courtesy visit.
In their different short address, the Ranodu of Imota, HRM, Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro; Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, HRM Oba Semiudeen Kasali, HRM Oba Adeoriyomi Oyebo all requested from the Chief of Army staff better relationship with traditional rulers to avoid unnecessary clashes. They expressed gratitude to the military for their determination and commitment to serve Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the commanding officer of 174 Battalion, Odogunyan, Lt. Col. B.C. Ezeh was commended for performing his job well and leading his officers to respond to crimes timely.
Earlier on, the anchor of the meeting Otunba Ayodele Elesho, former Commissioner for Information, Lagos State said that the visit of Chief of Army Staff was the second time in the history of Ikorodu that such visit was made possible, describing it as a good development for Ikorodu and her people.
The vote of thanks at the end of the courtesy visit was rendered by Prof. Kunle Ade Wahab and the photograph session later ended the historic visit.
The entourage later moved to Isawo, Ikorodu, where military officers have been stationed for over a year now to tackle security challenges in the area.
Lt. Gen. Buratai entourage included: Major General D.D. Ahmadu (in charge of Nigerian Army Training operation); Major General P.J. Dauke (incharge of Nigerian Army 81 Division); Brigadier-General S.A. Adebayo (Chief of Staff at the directorate of military intelligence); Brigadier-General A.A. Ariyibi (Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Army Headquarter Military Police Corps); Brigadier-General A. E. Arthur (Commander 9 brigrade); Brigadier-General B.E. Etuk (Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief of Army Staff); Brigadier-General T.J. Kareem (Garrison Commander 81 division) Nigeria Army Director of Public Relations, Brigadier General, S. K. Usman, Lit- Colonel E.G. Adegbola (Deputy Director in the office of the chief of Army Staff); Lit-Colonel B.C. Ezeh (Commanding Officer 174 Battallion); Lit-Colonel A.A. Odeh (Liason Officer (joint taskforce); Lit-Colonel Daudu (Deputy director Army P.R.O. 81 division); Captain Abdullahi Dankabo and Major Bello (Staff officer at the policy and planning department Army).