Army launches ‘Operation Python Dance in S-East’; Warns IPOB, MASSOB, herdsmen

Yesterday, the Nigerian Army began a security operation code-named Exercise Python Dance, in the five South-East states as part of efforts to ensure a hitch-free Yuletide period, with a warning to groups in the area that they would be the target if they foment trouble during the period.

The one-month exercise would end on December 27, after which the Army would be on ground to maintain peace in the various communities in the geo-political zone.
Deputy Director of Army Public Relations of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Sagir Musa, told reporters in Awka that the prevalent security issues such as robbery, kidnapping, abduction, herdsmen-farmers clashes and violent secessionist attacks, among others, would be the main focus of the exercise.
Essentially, he said that any group that threatened the security of the nation in the zone would be disarmed, adding that the exercise became necessary because of the rise in violent crimes during the yuletide period.