Efio-Ita Nyok|13 September 2017
*Code Name: Exercise Egwu Eke II popularly called Python Dance II
*Purpose: to crackdown on violent agitators, kidnappers, and other bandits in the South-East geopolitical zone comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
*Duration: to last between 15 September to 14 October.
*Conduction: 82 Division Area of Responsibility.
*Cooperation: The exercise will involve other security agencies like Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
*Entailment: Exercise Egwu Eke II will entail the establishment of Brigade Headquarters in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
*Emphasis: There will be emphasis on raids, cordon and search operations, anti-kidnapping drills, roadblocks, checkpoints, and show of force, and humanitarian activities such as medical outreach.
*Endorsement: The Igbos For Nigeria Movement (INM), a socio-cultural group has described the exercise in the south-eastern part of the country by the Nigerian Army as 'a welcome development'.
*Reservations: The Osita Chidoka Campaign Organization has frowned at the heavy deployment of troops and weapons to the southeast states by the military for its operation, dubbed “Exercise Egwu Eke II” (Python Dance II)
*History: The military started Operation Python Dance I, last year in the South East with the aim of ridding the region of criminals and other activities threatening the security of the area.
*Special Mention: Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOD) will have his house taken from him by the Nigerian military.
