Biafra: Army announces ‘Operation Python Dance II’ for S/East Nigeria

Nigerian Army said on Friday that it will carry out Exercise EGWU EKE II, (PYTHON DANCE II) in its 82 Division Area of Responsibility, covering (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states) from Friday 15 September to Saturday 14 October 2017. The new operation is coming against the background of growing agitation for secession of the South Eastern part of the country from Nigeria

The exercise is being launched against the background of growing agitations for secession in the South Eastern part of the country which make up the 82 division of the Nigerian Army. The agitators are demanding the carving out of the South East and the

The agitators who are demanding the carving out of the South East and the surronding areas into a separate state of Biafra.  The most prominent of the Biafra secessionist groups led by Nnamdi Kanu recently launched a

The most prominent of the Biafra secessionist groups led by Nnamdi Kanu recently launched a ” Biafra intelligence force.

Though the Army did not says the new exercise was targeted at the Biafra activists in its statement, it however noted that “OPERATION EGWU EKE II is also conceptualised to transit into real time operations and an avenue to conduct operations against violent criminals and agitators when called upon.”

“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 Army said in a statement read on behalf of Chief of Army Staff at a press conference on Friday.

“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.  It will also afford the troops an opportunity to effectively checkmate the despicable activities of the marauding criminals perpetrating criminal acts in the region and its environs.

“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.

“As precursor to a peaceful ember period and yuletide, provision has already been made for the smooth conduct of the operation. Operation EGWU EKE II will be unique with the establishment of Brigade Headquarters in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States. Emphasis will be placed on raids, cordon and search operations, anti-kidnapping drills, road blocks, check points and show of force, as well as humanitarian activities such as medical outreach.