Army begins special operation in South East

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu on Monday launched operation crime-free `ember' months in the South East geo-political zone.

The Deputy Director of Army Public Relations in the division, Col. Sagir Musa, told newsmen in Awka that the prevalent security challenges during yuletide had made the operation imperative.

He said such crimes as armed robbery, kidnapping, abduction, herdsmen/farmers clashes, communal clashes and violent secessionist attacks, among others would be targeted during the operation from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27.

Musa said that the army and other security agencies would synergise and collaborate extensively in the exercise nicknamed 'EX PYTHON DANCE'' in the five eastern states to achieve the desired objective.

He said that the chief of army staff had appraised the huge security challenges and scenarios across the country.

'Consequently, he directed the conduct of both command post and field training exercises as a way of enhancing troops' preparedness across the country,'' he said.

He said an elaborate civil-military cooperation line of operation had also been earmarked for the exercise.

' Nigerian Army corps and services will conduct activities such as medical outreach, repair of roads, schools and other infrastructure across the South East region '' Musa said.