General Tukur Buratai, Chief of
General Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff
Nigerian Army Commences Operation Python Dance
Nationwide- Buratai
(A remark by Lt General Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff at the
Flag-Off of Operation Ex Egwu Eke in Kebbi State on January 8,
2019)
I am highly delighted to be in 8 Div AOR today for this
important event to flag off EX EGWU EKE III in 8 Div Area of
Responsibility (AOR). This is another historic event geared towards
reassuring law abiding citizens and Nigerians in general of the
resolve of the Nigerian Army to provide adequate security and
safety even as the nation approaches the 2019 General Elections.
This significant event is also a reassurance of the resolve of the
Nigerian Army to conduct joint operations in collaboration with
other security and para military agencies in aid of civil
authority.
The objective is to reinvigorate all existing operations in the
country with additional manpower, equipment and resources to
address the lingering security problems in the country. I am to
assure Nigerians that at the end of the exercise, the Python must
have swallowed all the bandits, rustlers, terrorists, kidnappers,
robbers and militants in the country. The Python will also swallow
thugs and other miscreants that may raise their ugly heads.
Finally, it is also meant to address the issue of fake news and
unpatriotic elements that are impeding military operations and
demoralizing forces at the expense of national security. The
exercise is also a realistic training package in Internal Security
operations, clearance operations, emergency management, rescue
operation, road blocks, cordon and search as well as anti –
kidnapping.
It is necessary to draw attention of well-meaning Nigerians that
while reporting issues of defense and security, they must have at
the back of their minds the importance of national security. Just
as mentioned earlier, defense and national security is not all
comer’s affairs. No one is permitted to divulge any information
that is injurious to national security. This is contained in the
Official Secret Act 1962. Subject to “Section 1(3) of this Act, a
person who transmits any classified matter to a person to whom is
not authorized on behalf of the government to transmit it; or
obtains, reproduces or retains any classified matter which he is
not authorized on behalf of the government to obtain, reproduce or
retain, as the case may be, is guilty of an offence”. I enjoin
Nigerians to be mindful of the fact that this is the only country
that we have and no effort should be spared to save it from the
claws of unpatriotic elements fighting to pull the country down.
Giving out official information or spreading fake news is inimical
to national security.
Prior to EX EGWU EKE III, recall that Op SHARAN DAJI has
intensified operations to stop the activities of cattle rustlers,
cross border crimes, kidnapping and others. It is worthy to note
that the clearance operations conducted have achieved commendable
successes with several armed bandits neutralized while other
criminal elements are on the run. The momentum of the operation
must be maintained. We must continue to display professionalism in
the discharge of our constitutional roles while acting in aid of
civil authority. Do not provide any opportunity for criminal
elements to infiltrate your ranks. You must also embark on Civil
Military Relations activities such as medical outreach etc.
Let me use this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the
Nigerian Army and our mandate in aid of civil authority.
Accordingly, EX EGWU EKE III has the mandate to provide adequate
protection and security for the good people of Nigeria. I am also
calling on all law-abiding citizens to provide troops adequate
support especially timely information to enable them to accomplish
their task. I assure you of adequate logistic and operational
support throughout the conduct of this Exercise.
Lt. General Tukur Buratai
Chief of Army Staff