Tensions rise in South-East as army begins training exercise to combat insecurity

Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, Chief of Army Staff, launched off three Nigerian Army Field Training Exercises in Emene, Enugu state, on Monday.
The Exercise in the South-East, dubbed ‘Exercise Golden Dawn,’ is heightening tensions, as the army and police in the state conducted an Operation Show of Force, forcing people off the highways and streets.

The COAS said the Exercises, which are being held simultaneously in South South, South East, South West, and North Central Nigeria, are designed to address the country’s complex and modern security problems.

Despite the show of power, hoodlums pounced on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) sit-at-home order in several regions of the South-East, according to reports.

Schools, stores, banks, and restaurants were all forced to close due to the tension.

Meanwhile, the Southern and Middle Belt Alliance has instructed soldiers to display moderation during the exercise and to preserve civilians’ human rights.

In a statement, the group also urged President Muhammadu Buhari and other south-eastern governors to track down and apprehend the sponsors of the “unknown gunmen” terrorizing the region.

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“Scores of lives have been lost, and government and private properties worth billions of naira have been destroyed,” the organization claimed in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Mr. Rwang Pam.

“Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, except in the execution of a court sentence in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria,” according to Section 33 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended).

Similarly, Section 14 (2b) stipulates that “the primary goal of government shall be the welfare and security of the citizens.”

“This administration has failed in that duty, and it will continue to fail until it meets its obligation to all Nigerians.

It is heartbreaking that recent events in Anambra State, as well as the rest of the South-East, have violated this right.”

The Army, through Col Abdulkarim Usman, Commander 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), said the exercise will be standard training in several geographical zones in the South-East.

“The military, in collaboration with other security agencies, would exploit the golden opportunity to curtail the present security risks in Anambra State,” he said.

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Secessionist agitation by the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, the Indigenous People of Biafra, and the Eastern Security Network are among the threats.

Banditry, abduction, cultist activities, land disputes, communal confrontations, chieftaincy concerns, assassinations, and youth restlessness are among the others. To combat these numerous security threats, the unit has always maintained a strong posture.”