Exercise “Egwu Eke III” (Python Dance III) has taken off in Ondo State. It was flagged off on Thursday, January 3, 2019, by the 2 Division Nigerian Army at Owo.

Colonel Hassan Ifijeh Mohammed, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 2 Division, said the flag-off was performed by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Okwudili Fidelis Azinta, and witnessed by the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

He quoted the GOC as urging the troops participating in the exercise to conduct themselves in a professional manner, saying: “You must apply the training you have received, stick to the rules of engagement while respecting human rights.”

Ifijeh in a statement issued yesterday afternoon quoted Governor Akeredolu as expressing strong conviction that the 2 Division Nigerian Army is capable of flushing out the criminal elements in the state considering the recent achievement in the ongoing internal security operations in the state embarked upon by the officers and men of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure.

“I wish to state that as a government, we are fully aware that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere devoid of peace and security. We therefore attach great importance to the issue of security in all parts of the state,” he said.

The Governor also commend the security agencies for their efforts in ensuring the security of lives and properties in the state, and also the harmonious relationship and synergy amongst the security agencies in the state which has led to a robust intelligence sharing and the needed cooperation in tackling security challenges in the state.

“I wish to assure you that the state government will continue to support the security agencies within the available resources in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities, I hope that this exercise will assist greatly in flushing out all criminal elements within the nooks and crannies of the state from their hideouts to give it the deserved peace and tranquility required for social and economic development,” he said.

News Express reports that Exercise Egwu Eke III, announced last week by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, is designed to tackle security challenges nationwide as the 2019 general elections draw nearer. The operation is scheduled to run from January 1 to February 28, 2019.

•Maj.-Gen. Okwudili Fidelis Azinta with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu during the flag-off ceremony

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