106 suspected criminals arrested, 26 weapons recovered during Operation Python Dance – Military

-Operation Python Dance II reduced crime rate in South Eastern Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army has said that its soldiers arrested 106 suspected armed robbers, kidnappers and cult members during the recently concluded Operation Python Dance II in the South-East states.

The Army , who noted that the suspects had been handed over to the state police commands, said 26 assorted guns were also recovered during the exercise.

The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, and 82 Division, Colonel Sagir Musa, made the disclosure in a statement, on Monday.

Irrespective of the controversies surrounding the excercies, Musa said it had decreased crime rates in the South-East,

Musa added, “The one month Exercise Egwu Eke (Python Dance) II, conducted at the 82 Division’s area of responsibility, which covers the South-East geopolitical zone, helped in thwarting criminal activities such as illegal bunkering, armed robbery, kidnapping, violent secession agitations, banditry and communal clashes.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Army ends Operation Python Dance in South-East

“So far, 106 suspects were arrested for different offences, in different areas across the South-East and all were handed over to the police in the various police commands across the region. In addition, 26 assorted arms and some quantities of cartridges were recovered.

“At the end of the Army exercise, available records from the Division’s Medical Hospital and Services indicated that 10,446 persons, excluding school pupils, benefited from the free medical outreaches conducted by the division.”

According to the Army, among the outreaches were in the Isuokwaoto Local Government Area of Abia State, which had 2,005 persons and Nkwaagu community, Abakaliki Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, which had 1,401 persons.

The Operation Python Dance, launched on September 15 and spanned through October 14, was carried out in the five South-Eastern states of Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra, as well as some parts of Cross River Satte.