Brigadier General Sani Usman, the Nigerian army spokesman has revealed that the code names of military operations are determined by the circumstances and peculiar traditions. He said it sometimes include the topography of the locations where the exercise is to take place.
He also added that there is no hard and fast rule on how the code names come about, but only that they are usually two words.
According to Daily Trust, he said the operations are backed by the constitution which foresaw the need for the military to assist civil enforcement agencies in the protection of lives and property.
Below are the military operations currently ongoing in Nigeria:
1. Operation Lafiya Dole
Lafiya Dole was set up to counter terrorism and Boko Haram insurgency. It was later expanded to specialized operations including “Operation Crackdown”, “Operation Gama Aiki” and “Operation Safe Corridor.”
2. Operation Gama Aiki
This was launched to clear remnants of Boko Haram from northern part of Borno state and the border regions with Chad and Niger Republic.
It is a joint operation with the Nigerian military and the regional Multinational Joint Task Force. In fact, Gama Aiki is targeted at terrorists fleeing “Operation Crackdown.”
3. Operation Python Dance II
This was launched about a year after Operation Python Dance I in the Southeast. It is said to be a field training exercise.
The army said it was designed to, if necessary, dovetail into real time activities such as anti-kidnapping drills, patrols, raids, cordon and search, check points, road blocks and show of force.
The exercise includes the police, Civil Defence Corps, State Security Service and Federal Road Safety Commission. It is aimed at checking anticipated rising wave of crimes usually prevalent during festive periods.
4. Operation Crocodile Smile II
This is an exercise which involves amphibious war games in the Niger Delta region and parts of Ogun State. It is also aimed at protecting the nation’s crude oil infrastructure.
5. Operation Tsera Teku
This operation was officially launched in Warri, Delta state in February 2017 to check piracy in the Niger Delta region.
The operation is expected to curtail pipeline vandalism, armed robbery and other offshore and around the creeks criminality. It is also aimed at protecting ships and oil and gas installations.
6. Operation Awatse
It began in July 2016 and was to dismantle the operational bases of pipeline vandals and militants in the coastal areas of southwest Nigeria.
7. Operation Sharan Daji/ Operation Harbin Kunama II
It was established in the Northwest to battle armed bandits, cattle rustlers and robbers operating particularly in Zamfara, Kaduna and fringes of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Kano states.
8. Operation Mesa
This operation has been a nationwide joint police-military security taskforce. It is called “Operation Yaki” in Kaduna State and “Operation Zenda” in Benue State.
9. Operation Safe Haven
It is stationed in Plateau State with areas of operation extending to Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Kwara states to quell ethno-religious conflicts and other criminal activities.
10. Operation Delta Safe
This was set up to replace Operation Pulo Shield. It is aimed at containing security challenges in the Niger Delta, especially protection of critical national assets and provision of security in the area.
11. Operation Ruwan Wuta II
The operation is to crackdown on Boko Haram terrorists and check their ability to freely operate in the country by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the operation is an intensive day and night aerial bombardment designed to rain significant fire on freshly discovered hideouts of Boko Haram terrorist
