Nigerian Army to Modify Operation Python Dance

Remember the Operation Python Dance? Operation Python Dance was launched on 27th November in South Eastern Nigeria. The operation was aimed at combating the activities of hoodlums and armed bandits prevalent in the South-East.

The Nigerian army had warned members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to desist from disturbing the peace as well as all criminal activities, stating it would not shy away from using force to curb any of such menace.

However, in a new turn of events, the Nigerian Army, yesterday came out to say that the Operation Python Dance was to be modified and many of the road-blocks mounted were to be dismantled so as to facilitate the free flow of traffic in the region (South-east) during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

According to the vanguard, a statement attributed to the Deputy Director, Public Relations of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Col. Musa Sagir, reads:

“Our men stay on the side of road watching in case of any criminality and obstruction on the road. You have seen that we are not looking for any group or individual to arrest since our operation started on November 27; this operation will end on December 27 in the five eastern states.

“The Nigerian Army has to ensure safety, peace and security, and to ensure that Nigeria’s security challenges are reduced to the barest minimum. No holidays for all the military personnel in the South-East throughout the period of the exercise.

“The Nigerian Army has no vested interest, except to ensure that there is peace and security in the nation. Our interest is to forestall such issues as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and even traffic gridlock. We want to ensure that the security challenges are reduced to the barest minimum.

“And remember that we are moving towards Christmas and New Year celebrations and we want to see what we can do to maintain peace and harmony even after the period in all the communities within the area of responsibility of 82 Division.

“As the exercise goes on, if there is any area that needs adjustment, we will do that and the commanders are on ground to effect such adjustments. Nothing is rigid in life.”

The operation Python Dance was condemned by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) describing it as a calculated attempt to annihilate the members of the body operating in the south-east.

However, there haven’t been reported breakdown of law and order in the South-East since the operation began.

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