Operation Python Dance was ‘erroneously perceived’

The Independent Human Rights/Crime Monitoring Group in Nigeria (IHRCMG) on Tuesday said Operation Python Dance, the military operation in the south-east, was erroneously perceived.

The group made this known during a public presentation of its midterm report in Owerri, Imo state capital.

Zineke Werigbelegha, the team leader, said the exercise helped in addressing pressing security issues.

He said his group arrived at the conclusion after conducting interviews and reviewing media reportage of crimes before and during the operation.

“It was found that Operation Python Dance II was erroneously perceived even when the army communicated its intention,” he said.

“The launch of Operation Python Dance II follows from the maiden edition of the drill in 2016, which was widely acclaimed for ridding the southeast of Nigeria of crimes like kidnappings, banditry and other violent crimes ahead of the Yuletide season.

“To revive these crimes, perpetrators brought them under a political cover which manifested as agitations for the re-creation of the erstwhile republic of Biafra. While crime if any nature is against the law, bringing these crimes under a call for succession went on to create a volatile mix.

“Since the objective of Operation Python Dance II was to build troops’ capacity it went ahead irrespective of the mutations that the crimes in the region are undergoing. There were instances where groups exploited the peaceful nature of the drill to provoke troops through surprise attacks that were professionally repelled.

“The key issues in this regard are: Robbery: there were increasing cases of robbery incidents in the region. In some instances robbers that unleash terror in other jurisdictions fled back to the southeast.

“Abduction for ransom has again gained ground in the south-east and in many cases the victims were killed even when ransom has been paid. Some days before the start of Operation Python Dance II, the nation was shocked by the kidnap and eventual murder of Rev. Fr. Cyriacus Onunkwo in Imo state.

“In the preceding month (August 2017) an attack on St Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu Anambra state left at least 13 people dead and more than 25 others injured. One week after that gunmen attack an Assemblies of God Church in Onitsha, Anambra State, killing one policeman and a civilian.

“Even when troops have deployed for the operation, a teenage girl, Chidinma Iheoma was apprehended with a human head she was on the way to dispose of somewhere in the southeast. Similar arrests abound in the area.”