Nigerian Army high command dismisses claims it has decided to call off Operation Python Dance

NIGERIAN Army commanders have denied claims attributed to Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu indicating that the military plans to withdraw its troops from the state today and call off the ongoing military exercise Operation Python Dance II.

 

Yesterday, Governor Ikpeazu announced that the military will end the ongoing operations following incessant clashes between the troops and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob). Amid the growing tension, the governor added that the troops will be withdrawn from the state to allow normalcy to return.

 

However, yesterday, army spokesman Brigadier Sani Usman, asked the public not to misconstrue the  statement of Governor Ikpeazu to mean that the army was totally halting the Operation Python Dance II in the southeast, including Abia State.

 

He added:  "The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to some stories in the media that it is withdrawing its troops from exercise Egwu Eke II,   crediting such information to the Abia State governor and the general officer commanding the 82 Division Nigerian Army. This is not true and the Nigerian Army wishes to enjoin members of the public to disregard such rumours.

 

"For the avoidance of doubt, the Abia State governor in his speech stated that there will be a  gradual withdrawal of soldiers on the streets of Aba and Umuahia from tomorrow. This should not be misconstrued as withdrawing of troops earmarked for exercise Egwu Eke II and the general officer commanding 82 Division has not said such thing."

 

According to Brigadier Usman, troops are being withdrawn from some streets and locations but the overall exercise will continue. He added that commanders have been instructed to ensure that all hands are on deck to commence the exercise to its logical completion.

 

Brigadier Usman said: "We wish to state further that the successful completion of the exercise will dovetail into the various states security outfits till the end of this year. Members of the public, especially in the areas where the exercise will take place, are please enjoined to go about their lawful businesses.

 

"We wish to also state that we would not allow any individual or group to jeopardise the conduct of the field training exercise through unlawful or criminal activities. Hoodlums and criminal elements are once again warned to be law abiding and not cause any breach of peace."

 

According to Brigadier Usman, troops will conduct themselves in the best professional manner and abide by the Nigerian Army  Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct in line with requirements of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He added that any act of indiscipline by any personnel would be decisively dealt with.

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