Insecurity: Army Launches ‘Exercise Golden Dawn’ Against IPOB/ESN, Others In Anambra

The Nigerian Army has launched an exercise code-named ‘Golden Dawn’ in Anambra State targeted at flushing out criminal elements in the southeast state.

The exercise, which will be a joint operation with other security agencies was launched on Monday at Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area by the Commander 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) Col. Abdulkarim Usman.

The exercise according to Army authorities will target members of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB); the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Eastern Security Network (ESN), kidnappers, gunmen, and other criminal elements who have recently turned Anambra State into a troubled zone.

Naija News reports that the exercise will last from October 4 to December 23, 2021 and will also serve as a training exercise for troops of the Nigerian Army that will be involved in the exercise.

According to Usman, “The military will use the golden opportunity in conjunction with other security agencies to curb the existing security threats in Anambra State.

“The threats ranges from secessionist agitations by the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB; the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and Eastern Security Network, ESN.

“Others are banditry, kidnapping, cultist activities, land disputes clashes, communal clashes, chieftaincy issues clashes, assassinations and youths restiveness.

“To curb these countless security challenges, a robust posture in what the unit has always maintained.”

Col. Usman vowed that the security threats in the state will be swiftly and effectively brought under control.

Earlier, Naija News reported that the Nigerian Army has announced that as part of efforts towards tackling insecurity in Nigeria, it will be launching three different exercises.

The Army noted that the operations are designed to check criminality and guarantee citizen protection, particularly during the yuletide months.

Speaking on the development, the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement on Sunday said the exercises will be flagged off on Monday (today) by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya.

He added that members of the public should not fright or panic when they notice heavy or unusual movement of the military and equipment.

The states that will be affected according to the statement are in the South West, South-South, and South East regions.

Also, the North Central States of Kogi, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory will have the experience.