Army launches Python Dance in Yobe, warns criminals

Sector 2 of the Operation Lafiya Dole in Yobe State on Thursday launched 'Exercise Python Dance III' known as Egwu Eke 3, aime...

Sector 2 of the Operation Lafiya Dole in Yobe State on Thursday launched 'Exercise Python Dance III' known as Egwu Eke 3, aimed at ensuring peaceful conduct of the 2019 general elections.

The exercise was in compliance with the Army headquarters' directives to reassure Nigerians of the Federal Government's commitment to the protection of lives and property by building confidence in the minds of Nigerians by creating an enabling environment for them to go about their legitimate activities before, during and after the elections.

Brigadier General Mohammed Dala, Commander Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole said the Nigerian Army, as part of its constitutional role, has been acting to civil authority in combating numerous security challenges in the country.

"This exercise will give the troops the opportunity for capacity building through practical engagement of personnel through out these operations," he said.

According to him, the exercise was also aimed at sharpening the skills of personnel in the conduct of military operations other than war in flash points across the country in preparation for the forthcoming general elections.

He added that the exercise was planned to have operational edge based on real time intelligence, hence exercise 'EGWU EKE III' was conceptualized to combat real time security threats such as: stockpiling of arms by criminal groups, formation of militias and violence that may be induced by political parties ahead of the elections.

"This operation will equally checkmate other security threats across the country such as: terrorism, militancy, kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities of descendants groups," he also noted.

Dala disclosed that Exercise 'EGWU EKE III' will be conducted in collaboration with other security agencies operating in the state, while expressing optimism that the exercise will foster good civil-military relationship.

He assured that adequate measures have been put in place by the command to ensure that all troops adhere to the rules of engagement according to international best practices.

The commander however urged the public to be security cautious to monitor and to report any strange occurrence and unusual activities to appropriate security agencies, while warning criminals and political thugs that would want to ferment trouble that the python exercise will swallow them.

In his remarks, the Yobe state Governor, represented at the launching by his Deputy, Abubakar Aliyu, commended the Nigerian armed forces for restoring peace in the country and the state in particular.

"I want to seize this opportunity to pray that Allah continues to protect you and continues to give you success in the task before you," he prayed.