The Nigerian has denied allegations on media that they invaded IPOB home. The army said in a statement that the attention of 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, has been drawn to fictitious news going round that troops have invaded the home of Nnamdi Kanu and killed three persons.

Major Oyegoke Gbadamosi, spokesman 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, who issued the statement said, “This is far from the truth.”

 “Rather, it was a group of suspected IPOB militants that blocked the road against troops of 145 Battalion while on show of force along FMC-Word Bank Road in Umuahia town, Abia State at about 6.00-6.30pm, on Sunday,” he stated.

He said, the militants insisted that the military vehicles would not pass and started pelting the soldiers with stones and broken bottles to the point of injuring an innocent female passerand a soldier, Corporal Kolawole Mathew.

He added that, “The troops fired warning shots in the air and the hoodlooms dispersed. No life was lost.”

He asked the public to disregard the rumours going round and the fictitious photographs of purported victims of attack.

He said, both the soldier and the innocent female passerhave been evacuated to the unit’s Medical Inspection Room and are receiving treatment.

He added that, “We would like to use this opportunity to warn mischief makers threatening the peace and security of the country through falsehood.”

IPOB shout murders

Early, the IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, reportedly said soldiers and police men attacked the palace of the traditional ruler of Afaraukwu, who is the father of Nnamdi Kanu and started shooting people.

He was said to have stated that, “We did not clash with anybody or group. The attackers wore Nigerian soldiers and Nigeria Police uniforms and came to kill our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

He also said they came to his compound at Afaraukwu, Umuahia and started shooting sporadically and killed five people and up to 30 other people had bullet wounds.

He said, “After attacking our people, they drove off. They came in five Hilux vans.”

Army on Exercise Python Dance II

On Friday, the Nigerian Army said it is set to commence Exercise Egwu Eke II, (Python Dance II) in the south eastern part of the country.

The Army Chief of Training and Operations, Major General David Ahamadu made this known at a press conference at the army headquarters in Abuja.

He said the Exercise would be conducted  in 82 Division Area of Responsibility, covering Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states. 

He said the exercise is scheduled to take place from Friday 15 September to Saturday 14 October 2017.

Ahmadu noted that the objective was to effectively contain the reported cases of kidnapping and other vices prevalent in the South East region every Yuletide season. 

He said the current exercise is necessitated the need for troops to be exercised, refreshed and imbibe the requisite skills to cope with emerging security challenges within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility in aid of civil authority. 

He said, “Furthermore, in actualising the COAS vision, of having a Professionally Responsive NA in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles”, EX EGWU EKE II becomes highly desirable in conjunction with Sister Services and other security agencies to ensure success.”

“During the Exercise, emphasis will be placed on raids, cordon and search operations, anti-kidnapping drills, road blocks, check points, patrols, humanitarian relief activities such as medical outreach and show of force to curb the rising threat to national security in the South Eastern part of the country,” He stated.

 He added that, “It is pertinent to mention that the security, safety and well-being of innocent and law abiding citizens of the states mentioned above have been adequately factored into the planning of the exercise. Thus, the rights of individuals as enshrined in the constitution would be respected and safeguarded.”

He noted that, “EXERCISE EGWU EKE II is also conceptualised to transit into real time operations therefulfilling both training and operational objectives of sharpening operational skills of personnel as well as providing an avenue to conduct operations against violent criminals and agitators when called upon.”

He said, “As precursor to a peaceful ‘ember’ period and yuletide, provision has already been made for the smooth conduct of the exercise. EX EGWU EKE II will be unique with the establishment of Brigade Headquarters in each of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.”


He said, “It is noteworthy to mention that EX EGWU EKE II is set to be another epoch making activity that would make the nation proud of the Nigerian Army’s determination at sustaining its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation as well as its commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security in the south eastern part of our dear country in particular, and the entire nation in general.”

He emphasized that  members of the public especially the residents of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States are enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being is guaranteed at all times. 

He said the general public is requested to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected criminals may be fleeing from military operations in these areas and finding safe haven amidst other communities. 

He said the public is also reminded to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action. 

He added that in order to ensure cordial civil-military relations, the army shall make contact telephone numbers of all Brigade Commanders public in addition to the Nigerian Army short code Information and Call Centre 193.