The Nigerian Army said on Monday that its troops arrested 106 suspected armed robbers, kidnappers and cult members during the just concluded Operation Python Dance in the five South-East states.
The Army, who noted that the suspects had been handed over to the state police commands, said 26 assorted guns were also recovered during the exercise.
The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, and 82 Division, Col. Sagir Musa, said this in a statement, where he noted that the exercise, despite its controversies, had reduced crimes in the South-East.
Musa added, “The one month Exercise Egwu Eke (Python Dance) II, conducted at the 82 Division’s area of responsibility, which covers the South-East geopolitical zone, helped in thwarting criminal activities such as illegal bunkering, armed robbery, kidnapping, violent secession agitations, banditry and communal clashes.
“So far, 106 suspects were arrested for different offences, in different areas across the South-East and all were handed over to the police in the various police commands across the region. In addition, 26 assorted arms and some quantities of cartridges were recovered.
“At the end of the Army exercise, available records from the Division’s Medical Hospital and Services indicated that 10,446 persons, excluding school pupils, benefited from the free medical outreaches conducted by the division.”
According to the Army, among the outreaches were in the Isuokwaoto Local Government Area of Abia State, which had 2,005 persons and Nkwaagu community, Abakaliki Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, which had 1,401 persons.
Operation Python Dance, which started on September 15 and lasted till October 14, was held in the five south-eastern states of Abia, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi and Anambra.
The exercise also touched some parts of Cross River State.
During the operation, the Army at the 82 Division divided its troops into four sectors.
It said it conducted raids on suspected criminal hideouts and arrested fleeing cult members in various communities.
TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai officially ended the Operation Python Dance on Monday.