Operation AWATSE Has Been Successful – Joint Forces

LUCKY LAWAL

The Nigerian Armed Forces have  displayed what they described as show of force under the banner called  ‘Operation AWATSE’ in Ikorodu, other parts of Lagos and Ogun States aimed to combating and frustrating the activities of criminal elements and stem the resurgence of militants and vandals.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the operation also known as ‘Jagunlabi’ started from the naval outpost at Majidun, Ogolonto Ikorodu, Lagos to Ogun State on both land and sea.

The commandant of the new group, Rear Admiral Sylvanus Abba said that ‘Operation AWATSE’ has been an ongoing operation set in place to forestall criminal activities in those states and said that the people who celebrated their Christmas especially in Lagos can testify to the fact that it was very peaceful and was probably the most peaceful Christmas ever celebrated in Lagos.

“We have been working clandestinely before now and that is why we want to show you how far we have progressed so that Lagosians can see that we have been working while they were sleeping” he said.

Abba revealed that the group  have repelled the activities of criminal elements on the sea and on land since it started its operation. He noted that before its creation, the criminal elements had been operating on the high seas, pirating and robbing but added that the force has been able to curb them.

 The commandant also revealed that most of the perpetrators were not based in Lagos but had informants in Lagos who gave them information on how to operate and succeed when they come in from the Niger Delta. Abba explained that the last attack that happened in Lagos has been exposed as the force has arrested five of the suspects and none of them resided in Lagos. He said that they were still working hard to apprehend their Lagos informants and accomplices so that there will be lasting peace in the areas.

“Lagos is a place of all manner of activities, the markets, the businessmen and women, the ports are also here and these hoodlums know that anybody kidnapped in Lagos will fetch them handsome ransom, so they plan and come here by the sea to carry out their plans but we are at alert and ready for them” he stated.

He further said, “As you can see, they didn’t come to disrupt our celebration because they knew we were here”.

He commended his men for making sure that Lagos celebrated the festive period peacefully.

The Naval boss said that the exercise is a continuous exercise and it is also an avenue to interact their men and map out strategies that will assist them further.

“Before now Magidun was a no go area but today as you can see, everybody is operating freely without fear. We are working on making all the impenetrable places penetrable for a more free and conducive environment.”

Abbah explained why the operation was tagged ‘Jagunlabi’; he said that whatever was being done was a military exercise and they were to operate peacefully bearing in mind that they were in Yoruba land. “Jagunlabi is a show of force to tell the bad boys that we are here for them and it is a joint force.”

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the show was  a combined effort of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police and other sister security agencies.

“We all need to work hand in hand to make the state a better place “he said.
The show of force took place in all the back waters of Lagos and its environs.