Army Flags Off Operation Python Dance in Delta, Inaugurates 63 Brigade Headquarters

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left), before the inspection of a guard of honour mounted by a detachment of the Nigerian Army, during the inauguration of 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Asasba. PIX: BRIPIN ENARUSAI

The Nigerian Army, today, commissioned its 63 Brigade headquarters in Asaba, capital of Delta State and launched “Operation Egwu-Eke” (Python Dance).

During the inauguration of the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, at Asaba, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the Operation Egwu Eke (Python Dance) will curtail all forms of crime and antisocial vices in Delta State, before, during and after 2019 general elections.

Delta State Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa (middle), General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander JTF, Major General Jamin Sarham, representing the Chief of Army Staff (right), the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori (behind), Acting Commander 62 Brigate, MHB Mamu (left), during the inauguration of 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Asasba. 

Buratai, who was represented by Maj.Gen. Jamil Sarham, General Officer Commander (GOC), 6 Division, said the Brigade would ensure peace and security in Asaba and environs.

He assured that the Army would ensure adequate security and safety even as the nation approached the 2019 general elections.

He said “It is my great pleasure to inaugurate the 63 Brigade with its headquarters in Asaba. This is a demonstration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s desire to ensure security of lives and properties across the country,”.

He added that the Army formation would checkmate myriads of security challenges in the state.

“I therefore call on the government and the good people of Delta State to support the operations in 63 brigade and the formations in Koko and Oleh.

“I am also in Delta to flag off the operation Egwu Eke 3 (Python Dance) at Km 11, Okpanam Road, Asaba. At the end of the Python Dance, the Python would have swallowed all the bandits, hoodlums, kidnappers, militants and thugs in the state.

“The python will also address issues of fake news by unpatriotic elements. It is necessary that we draw the attention of all well meaning Nigerians that they must have at the back of their minds the importance of national security,” he stressed.

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left), and the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander JTF, Major General Jamin Sarham, representing the Chief of Army Staff, during the inauguration of 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Asasba. PIX: BRIPIN ENARUSAI

Delta State Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, in his remarks, appreciated the Army for the bringing the Brigade to Asaba.

Governor Okowa said “I want to appreciate the Chief of Army Staff for enabling this and the President for bringing it to be in Asaba.

“I am aware that the military, working along with all other security agencies in the state, have done quite a lot to ensure peace.

Continuing, he said, “There is no doubt that, with the 63 brigade being given birth to today, we would now have many more men to provide security in the state.