Army Replaces Python Dance With Golden Dawn In Anambra

By Uche Mbah

The 302 Artillery Regiment General Support, of the Nigerian Army, has launched ‘Exercise Golden Dawn’, to provide security in the State.

Anambra state has turned into a killing field in the wake of the approaching November 6 Governorship elections, with the major gladiators going underground and unknown gunmen going on a rampage.

On Sunday, a police station and the office of the Department of State Security were torched.

Days earlier, husband of the late former National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, boss, Dora Akunyili, was  murdered in cold blood.

But the Commander 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) Col. Abdulkarim .B. Usman, in the welcome address he presented at the flag-off ceremony at Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area, said it is an avenue to combat insecurity in Anambra State, and foster inter-agency cooperation, apart from being a routine training exercise in various geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

The exercise commenced on October 4th and will end on December 23rd, 2021, long after the elections.

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

Col. Usman said more needs to be done to combat security threats in the state.

“Remarkable improvements have been recorded, particularly in the refurbishment of Armoured Fighting Vehicles, procurement of new platforms, upgrading of training facilities, and construction of new accommodation for officers and soldiers among others.

“These transformational efforts have greatly enhanced the welfare and operational capabilities of the troops. It is, therefore, my fervent hope that the exercise will record successes.”

IPOB has dissociated itself from the spate of killings in the State.