The Nigerian Army launches Python Dance II (Egbu Eke II) on Friday in the South East and Cross River as scheduled.
This was made known by Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement in Abuja.
He also dismissed the information that credited to Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, and GOC 82 Division, Enugu, that soldiers would withdraw from Aba and Umuahia from Friday.
His words: “This should not be misconstrued as withdrawing of troops earmarked for Exercise Egwu Eke II. The General Officer Commanding 82 Division has not said such thing.
“Consequently, we wish to state that the exercise, Egwu Eke II, is commencing tomorrow as scheduled.
“Commanders have been instructed to ensure that all hands are on deck to commence the exercise to its logical completion.
“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,” he said.
Usman further called on the people Abia, Enugu Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo and Cross River states, where the exercise would take place to go about their lawful businesses.
He however warned that soldiers should not allow any individual or group to jeopardize the conduct of the field training through unlawful or criminal activities.
According to him, “Hoodlums and criminal elements are once again warned to be law abiding and not cause any breach of peace.”
