Yuletide: Military launches ‘Operation Python Dance’ Against Secessionist Groups in South-East

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Tuesday, November 29th, 2016

By Ignatius Okpara

ENUGU NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Nigerian Army has launched ‘Operation Python Dance’ aimed at checkmating activities of Secessionist Groups in parts of South-East Nigeria.

It however warned secessionist groups in the region against acts capable of threatening the nation’s sovereignty and security

The Army added it would not hesitate to apply the Rule of Engagement to deploy troops and deal with secessionists as appropriate.

It explained that the exercise became imperative in anticipation of rise in violent crimes during the Christmas period.

A statement signed by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations DDAPR, of the 82 Division, Enugu, Col. Sagir Musa and made available to AFRICAN EXAMINER on Tuesday, disclosed that the operation would last from November 27 to December 27.

“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’’ the statement said.

“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 agencies are expected to synergise and collaborate extensively’’, the statement added.

The Army further explained 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 concluded.