Army highlights gains of Operation Python Dance in Southeast

The Nigeria Army said yesterday that it has checkmated the activities of the recently proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other Biafra agitators in the southeast zone.

It stressed that the people of the region now go about their normal businesses without fear or hindrance.

It stated that the Operation Python Dance 2, which took off fully in the zone last Friday had recorded tremendous success with arrests of suspected criminals, averting farmers-herdsmen and communal clashes, as well as denied kidnappers, cultists, armed robbers among others freedom to operate.

Giving a report of the military operations so far in the five southeast states, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Enugu, Col Musa Sagir, said that the exercise has stabilized the zone despite the earlier opposition by the proscribed Biafra agitators and other unpatriotic elements, adding that over 40 persons have been arrested for various crimes.

His words: “The Southeast especially Aba in Abia State is now fully stabilised. The activities of the outlawed Biafra “National Guards,” which manned checkpoints and extorted traders and motorists, have now been checkmated.

“Similarly, the outlawed secessionist group presence is no longer visible and people go about their normal businesses without fear, let or hindrance.

“Also, about 4.30pm on September 17, 2017, troops of Sector 2 on patrol at Ohaji-Egbema general area, along Obokofia-Agwa, Rombe-Oguta road junction in Imo State, intercepted two persons in a vehicle conveying about 15kg of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp.

The suspects and the substance have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).”

He said troops of Sector 2, Sub Sector 1, at about 12.00am on September 19, 2017, while on patrol along Onitsha-Owerri road arrested three suspected hoodlums namely: Chisom Francis, Chukwu Enema and Uchenna Ogataku, who barricaded the highway, extorting money and other valuables from
hapless motorists resulting in serious traffic jam.

“The suspects have been handed over to the Ogbaku Police Station,” he said.

“Following a tip off, a criminal hideout was raided at about 12.15am in Obinze community on September 17, 2017.

“Consequently, 17 suspected criminals were apprehended by troops of
Sector 4. Items recovered include three locally made pistols, five Dane guns and 15 rounds of various calibers of ammunition.”

He said the Army also recovered local charms and seven wraps of substance suspected to be Indian hemp, among others.