The Nigerian Army said it has changed the code name of its annual training execcise “Exercise Egwu Eke” popularly known as Operation Pyton Dance to “Exercise Atilogwu Udo”.
The Exercise, which covers the South East region of the country, is designed to combat criminal activities including kidnappings, armed robbery, inter-cult and communal clashes among other sundry crimes.
The army in a statement by Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, the Deputy Director of Army Public Relation advised that the general public should take note of the change.
Iliyasu in the statement quoted the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai reiterating the commitment of the Nigerian Army to protecting lives and properties of citizens particularly during these ember months and the fast-approaching Yuletide season.
According to the Colonel, “All other information relative to the Exercise as contained in the previous Press Statement and Press Conference issued by the Army Headquarters remain unchanged.
“Operation Python Dance” was condemned by some stakeholders in the country especially those from the South-East zone. In 2017, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Lucious Ugorji, accused the Federal Government of violently tramping on the rights of innocent Nigerians “who are peacefully voicing out their grievances”.
Yet the Nigerian Army in its statement said the annual training exercise which commenced in 2016 has consistently recorded remarkable successes since its introduction.
Iliyasu said in the statement that the COAS “also wishes to further solicit the support and understanding of all well-meaning Nigerians towards providing a well-secured environment for all and sundry.”
