Python Dance not targeted at Nnamdi Kanu – Army

The Nigerian Army in Enugu, said on Tuesday that the military exercise in the South-East, code-named ‘Operation Python Dance 2’, was not targeted at the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Col. Sagir Musa, the Deputy Director, Public Relations, 82 Division, said this when he briefed newsmen at the NUJ Secretariat, Umuahia.

“The exercise is not targeted at any individual or group but meant to prevent security challenges identified in the South-East and parts of Cross River.
“It is not meant to molest or victimise anybody,” Musa said, adding that the exercise was designed to maintain peace and security in the five states of the South-East and parts of Cross River.

He said that the main objective was to stem the tide of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and violent agitations in the areas involved.

According to him, the essence of the exercise is to ensure peace, security, unity and development of Nigeria.

The army spokesman said that the exercise, slated to fully take off on Sept. 15 and end on Oct. 14, would be conducted simultaneously in the affected states.

He said that during the period, heavy presence of military troops would be felt in major cities and towns of the states involved.

He said that the exercise would be characterised mainly by ‘show of force’, patrols and other military activities.