Army resumes Operation Python Dance, Crocodile Smile Nov 1

The Nigerian Army has announced that it will begin operations  Python Dance and Crocodile Smile in the South-East and South-West  from November 1.

Also, the army will also commence operation Ayem Akpatuma on the same day in the North-Central.

The Chief of Army State, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, made this known during a media briefing in Abuja.

Buratai, represented by Chief of Training and Operations, Maj. Gen. Enobong Udoh, said, “The exercises to be conducted are Ayem Akpatuma II in the North-Central and parts of North-West states of Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Taraba, Kaduna and Niger in 1 and 3 Divisions.

“Exercise Egwu Eke IV will be carried out in the South-East comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and lmo states in 82 Division Areas of Responsibility.

“Exercise Crocodile Smile IV will be held across states in the South-South and South-West comprising  Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers  and Ogun in 2, 6, 81 and 82 divisions areas of responsibility.

“They will be conducted from November 1 to December 23. This has become necessary owing to threats that are burgeoning in the aforementioned zones and also aimed at curtailing the movement of bandits, armed robbers, ethnic militia and cattle rustlers.”