The
leadership of the Nigerian Army has announced its plan to launch
military operations in more geopolitical zones in Nigeria as part of its
‘sanitary exercises’.
As Operation Python Dance in the South-East region continues to
generate controversy, the Nigerian Army said on Saturday that it would
launch an operation, Crocodile Smile II, which would cover the
South-South region and some parts of the South-West.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said
this in an interview with Signature TV on Saturday, monitored by a Punch
correspondent.
The army spokesman noted that “encouraging feedback” from the
South-East after Python Dance I made the army commence Python Dance lI.
He said, “Look, this is the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The
Nigerian military belongs to Nigeria and they have a duty to exercise in
any part of the country. It is so sad that some people try to
politicise these issues. They should have exercised patience and seen
how this exercise would go.
“We had Operation Harbin Kunama II covering the North-West and
parts of the North-Central this year. As soon as we are done with Egwu
Eke II (Python Dance), we are also going on Crocodile Smile II that will
cover the South-South and some parts of the South-West of the country.
“Operation Python Dance II came about based on the encouraging
feedback we received as a result of Python Dance I held last year. This
is especially because of the crimes during the ‘ember’ period in the
region. You know that the South-easterners, who are enterprising and
industrious people, have to return to their places at the end of the
year.
“Unfortunately, some criminal elements take advantage of this
period to perpetrate crimes. We have armed robberies, kidnappings, and
communal clashes. But the Christmas of 2016 and New Year 2017 were the
most peaceful in that part of the country, and that is attributed to the
field training exercise, Python Dance I.”
The army spokesman said the activities of a group of “vocal people, out of mischief or ignorance trying to create violence” should not be taken as the stand of the South-East region.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, and 82
Division’s spokesman, Colonel Sagir Musa, while appraising Operation
Python Dance II, told our correspondent on Saturday that people had been
calling the communication lines supplied by the military to supply
information.
Musa said, “There is no reported friction anywhere so far in
the whole of the South-East. Apprehension has gone down and people are
freely conducting their business. The volume of calls received so far
through our dedicated public information cell phone numbers is
unprecedented.”
Also, the Nigerian Navy said on Saturday that it was on a red alert
to secure Nigeria’s unity, despite the tension generated by the
activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, said this in
Abuja during the Navy Route March at the Mogadishu Cantonment, saying he
had ordered the naval personnel to mobilise and secure the maritime
domain.
Represented at the event by the Chief of Naval Transformation, Rear
Admiral Ibe Enenwo, Ibas said, “Even without tasking, we are fully
deployed in internal security situations as required by the constitution
and for our own peculiar environment, the maritime environment.