Nigerian Army Begins ‘Operation Python Dance’ in the South East

Chidi Samuel

The Nigerian Army on Monday began what it called, ‘Operation Python Dance’ in the South East and warned secessionist groups against acts capable of threatening the nation’s sovereignty.

The  exercise scheduled to last for one month, November 27 to December 27, will also target other societal vices in the region like, armed robbery, kidnapping, abduction, herdsmen-farmers clash, communal clashes, among others.

In statement made available to newsmen in Awka, the Anambra State capital, the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa stated, “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.

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“Similarly, Exercise Python Dance has been planned for the South East Region from 27 November to 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 synergise and collaborate extensively.”

Sagir disclosed that within the period under review, an elaborate civil-military cooperation line of operation had been planned.

“Nigerian 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 added.