The Nigerian Army has warned the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, and Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, – both of them are pro-Biafra groups that embrace the tenets of nonviolence in their agitations – in the South East to desist from any form of trouble or face its wrath.
The warning which is coming ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities, was also extended to the Fulani herders, armed robbers, and kidnappers in the zone.
While briefing journalists on Monday, November 28, 2016 in Awka at the launching of what it tagged Exercise Python Dance in all the South-East region with its step up quarters in Anambra State, the deputy director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Enugu, Colonel Sagir Musa, said the prevailing security issues in the region informed the decision for the launch.
He said the field training, slated for November 27 to December 27, 2016 would take a form of multi-agency whereby the Nigerian Army and other security agencies were expected to extensively synergize to combat all forms of vices during the yuletide.
“The prevalent security issues such as armed robbery, kidnapping, abduction, herdsmen-farmers clashes, communal clashes and violent secessionist attacks, among others, would be targeted,” he said, citing instances of similar operations carried out in various parts of the country with specific targets which he said, yielded positive results.
He said an elaborate civil military cooperation (CIMIC) line of operation had been planned during the exercise, while the Nigerian Army corps and services would conduct activities such as medical outreach, repairs of roads, schools and other infrastructure across the region.
Pro-Biafra secessionist group, Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has pledged “total allegiance” to the Niger Delta Avengers extolling the militant group for supporting the cause of a free Biafra. MASSOB embraces the tenets of nonviolence. It is led by Ralph Uwazuruike, a lawyer.
In June, 2016 the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, another secessionist group pledged its support for the Niger Delta Avengers, saying the groups’ ideal of freedom align.
