Army denies Boko Haram takeover of Baga, plans nationwide Operation Python Dance

The Nigerian Army has denied reports that Boko Haram terrorists have taken over Baga town in Borno, which hosts the headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF.

The Army made the denial on Friday at a press conference addressed by its Chief of Training and Operations , Lamidi Adeosun in Maiduguri.

The Army also announced that it will from January 1, 2019 extend its Operation Python Dance to the whole country to checkmate current security challenges ahead of the 2019 general elections.

According to Adeosun, Baga town is not in the hands of the Boko Haram.

He however confirmed that the insurgents contested it but they lost the contest.

Adeosun, who is a Major General, said as at Thursday, troops had engaged the terrorists in a fierce battle to repel them.

“They terrorised the town and attacked the Headquarters of the 7 Brigade of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) at about 7 p.m. on Wednesday,’’ he said.

There had been reports that the insurgents took control of the town after a prolonged fighting, and that the military was sending reinforcements to try and dislodge them.

On the extension of Operation Python Dance nationwide, Adeosun, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai at the press conference, said the Army will conduct exercise “Egwu Eke III – Python Dance” nationwide, to tackle already “observed upsurge’’ in security challenges as the 2019 general elections draw nearer.

He also added that the exercise will run from January 1 to February 28, 2019.

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The 2019 general elections are billed to start on the 16th of February with the presidential and National Assembly elections.

According to Adeosun, identified threats include stockpiling of arms by criminal groups, the formation of ethnic militia and violence induced by political activities.

“These challenges coupled with other security threats across the country such as terrorism, militancy, kidnapping and banditry portend that dissident groups and criminal elements could cash in on the situation to perpetrate large-scale violence before, during and after the 2019 general elections,’’ he said.

Speaking further, Adeosun said Nigerian troops need to be prepared and equipped with requisite skills in order to professionally and effectively respond to these challenges and security threats in collaboration with the Nigerian Police and other para-military oganisations.

On why Egwu Eke III is being conducted nationwide and not restricted to the South-East in line with its code name, Adeosun said there is python everywhere.

“Even in the desert of Borno, don’t forget, the Lake Chad basin is there, python can also dance within the desert.

“In fact, we have desert python, so python will dance all over the country this time around,’’ he said.

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