Nigerian Army invades South-East, warns IPOB, Others

www.odogwublog.com reports that the Nigerian Army has launched what it tagged "Operation Python Dance" in the South East geopolitical zone and warned secessionist and freedom activist groups to avoid acts that could threaten the nation's sovereignty and unity.

The exercise comes in the heels of an Amnesty International video currently making the rounds on the Internet and social media where the army was seen spraying live bullets on peaceful unarmed Biafra agitators who had gathered in a school premises in Aba, Abia state for prayers for a divine intervention for the unconditional release of its leaders, including Dr Nnamdi Kanu.

The army said it would not hesitate to apply the Rule of Engagement to deploy troops on internal security operations and deal with secessionists as appropriate.

In  a press statement made available to journalists in Awka this afternoon by the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, the operation which would last from November 27 to December 27 targets other areas including armed robbery, kidnapping, abduction, herdsmen-farmers clash, communal clashes amongst others.

It said the exercise had become necessary in anticipation of rise of violent crimes usually experienced during yuletide.

The statement partly read “It would be recalled that the Chief of Army Staff having painstakingly appraised the myriad of security challenges and scenarios across the country directed on the conduct of both command post and field training exercises as a way of enhancing troops preparedness across the spectrum of contemporary challenges.

“Similarly, exercise Python Dance has been planned for the South East Region from 27 November-27 December, 2016. The prevalent security issues such as armed robbery, kidnapping, abduction, herdsmen-farmers clashes, communal clashes and violent secessionist attacks among others would be targeted.

 “In this wise, the exercise would be multi-agency in nature whereby the Nigerian Army and other security agency are expected to synergize and collaborate extensively.

 The statement said within the period under review, an elaborate civil-military cooperation line of operation had been planned.

It said the Army Corps and Services would conduct activities such as medical outreach, repairs of roads, schools, and other infrastructure across the south east region.

 “The Chief of Army Staff has therefore directed that a contingent of durable mechanism be imbued in the overall planning as well as execution of the exercise to achieve a hitch free yuletide for the entire region”, the statement maintained