“It is so sad and unfortunate that a particular group of people, for political expediency and mischief, are trying to set the military and Nigerian society against each other. it is sad,it is unfortunate” The statements were in reaction
However, Brigadier General Usman Sani, reiterated the Nigeria Army’s resolution to go with exercise, Operation Python Dance due for kick-keep-off ,today, regardless.
“It will commence on 15, September 2017. The troops have been conducting themselves professionally within the ambit of rules of engagement and code of conduct and where there are noted infractions, appropriate measures will be taken.”
The Spokesman tagged the crisis between the army and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in Abia as an isolated issue which according to him was taken too far by some elements.
“These isolated incidences, instigated by miscreants and mischief makers, therefore, should not be taken as something that would jeopardise the military exercise going on in that place. “It is really sad and unfortunate that people will not find time to ask question about the essence and activities involved in respect of exercise Egwu Eke II before jumping into conclusion.
“The exercise is taking part in the entire South East and Cross River, why should we have problem in one state – Abia.
“There is no reported problem in Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu and Cross River states” he said.
He called for understanding, saying that there “is need for all of us to be more responsible, exercise understanding about the issues at hand, support and encourage the military to perform its legitimate duty.
“The exercise we are having has been scheduled since last year – 2016, it is not targeted at any segment of the Nigerian society.
“As a matter of fact, it was because of the encouraging feedback that we have about the conduct of exercise Python Dance I in 2016 that brought the idea of having another exercise. “And being a responsible organisation, people said Python Dance seems to be something awkward, so, why don’t you call it in the native language of those people so that they can understand it just like you have exercise Harbin Kunama.
“We have had exercises in other parts of the country.
“As soon as we are done with exercise Egwu Eke II, we are embarking on exercise Crocodile Smile II which is also a scheduled training exercise in the circle of the Nigerian army training year, 2017.
“And this time around, beyond the South-south Zone, it will be extended to the South West zone, involving 2 Division, 6 Division and 81 Division,” Mr. Usman said.
He described as a training exercise and not an operation as insinuated in some quarters. by the public.
The aim of the exercise,he said, was to sharpen and prepare the troops to handle to crimes such as kidnapping, pipeline vandalism and other violent crimes associated with the zone effectively, especially in “ember months.’’
“I want you to understand that the military do not come out on its own, it will only do so in case there is a need, a constitutional responsibility or need for them to come out in aid of civil authority.”
He said that adequate measures have been put in place by security agencies to protect northerners residing in the troubled zone-Aba and Oyibo
“There are some mischievous elements that are peddling information to incite people. People should be wary about information on the social media,” Mr. Usman advised.
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