The Chief of Army Staff; Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has said that members of the military are not under any pressure to withdraw operations in the South-East region of the country.

The Army Chief said this on Monday, after the opening of the third quarter Nigerian army conference in Abuja.

The military had started a military operation code-named Operation Python Dance, in the South East with the aim of ridding the region of criminals and other activities threatening the security of the area.

This operation has been met with various criticisms with many calling for the withdrawal of the operation.

Buratai has however insisted that the operation continues and the military is not under any pressure to put an end to it. He said the military is acting with the jurisdiction of the constitution and therefore is not under any pressure.

“Nigerian Army is part of the political consideration in the democratic system. It is part of the democratic process. It is a product of the democratic governance. So, we are not under any pressure.

“We are doing what the constitution has provided. So we are not under any pressure whatsoever.”

Buratai also said that only the Federal Government has the jurisdiction to declare the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, wanted.

He also announced plans by the Nigerian army to launch special exercises across the country to further maintain peace and security. (Channels TV)

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