Operation Python Dance Not Targeted At IPOB, Says Army
By Baron Ike
The Nigerian Army has said that the establishment of “Operation Python Dance” in the South East has nothing to do with the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Colonel Sagir Musa, army spokeman told reporters in Enugu at the weekend that Operation Python Dance was aimed at dealing with all forms of criminality like robbery , kidnapping , herdsmen attack and the likes that could threaten the peace of the area during the yuletide period .
The operation, Musa said, will last for barely one month , particularly beginning from December the Christmas period till the new year when the South East is regarded as a behive of activities.
The army was compelled to clarify matters on the Operation because of strong believe among opinion moulders and the Igbo intelligentsia that the effort was an attempt to cow the IPOB whose leader, Nnamdi Kalu has been in the custody of the Government for several months now.
Kalu was refused bail when his matter came up for hearing on December 1. Government thinks his offence is treasonable.
Last week when some traditional rulers from the South East paid a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa, the raised concerns over the army’s Operation Python Dance , reminding the President about the different ways the people of the South East have been undermined by security agencies of the government.
In another development , Operation Eagle Eye set up for Warri and Sapele areas in Delta had taken off, according to the army and was progressing well.