The Nigerian Army has announced that operation against agitators of Biafra, kidnappers among others will commence nextweek.
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, led by Nnamdi Kanu has been very vocal against the Nigeria state in its secession clamour.
The army Headquarters said Operation EGWU EKE II, (Python DanceII), will hold in the South-east from Friday September 15 to Saturday October 14.
Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff, COAS, told journalists through Maj-Gen. David Ahmadu, Chief of Training and Operations, CTOP, in Abuja, that the operations will cover Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Imo and Ebonyi states.
Buratai said “Exercise EGWU EKE II has become more expedient due to the mindless assassinations (even in religious places), attack on security personnel, theft of weapons, armed banditry, kidnapping, cultism and violent agitations, as well as other security challenges that have recently become prevalent in the South Eastern part of the country.
“The need for troops to be exercised, refreshed and imbibe the requisite skills to cope with these emerging security challenges within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility in aid of civil authority calls for this exercise.”
The Army said that this operation will be conducted with the involvement of other security agencies such as Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“Additionally, OPERATION EGWU EKE II is also conceptualised to transit into real time operations thereby fulfilling both training and operations objectives of sharpening operational skills of personnel as well as providing an avenue to conduct operations against violent criminals and agitators when called upon”, the Army Chief stated.
He said that the Operation would be unique with the establishment of Brigade Headquarters in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.
“It is pertinent to mention that Operation EGWU EKE II is set to be another epoch making exercise that would make the nation proud of the Nigerian Army’s determination at sustaining its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation as well as its commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security in the south eastern part of our dear country”, he said.
Members of the public were enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being is guaranteed at all times.
The Army also requested the public to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected criminals may be fleeing from military operations in these areas and finding safe haven amidst our communities.
