Nigeria: Army to reduce road blocks in South-East To Ease Traffic This Yuletide...

 

The Nigerian Army “Operation Python Dance’’ has said some of its road blocks in the five eastern states   will be dismantled to facilitate free flow of traffic during the Yuletide.

Deputy Director, Public Relations of 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu, Col. Musa Sagir, disclosed this while on patrol with newsmen at the River Niger Bridge head, Onitsha and Awka, yesterday.

Sagir said it had become imperative to remove totally or shorten some of the checkpoints, particularly within the bridge head, Onitsha, as the Yuletide draws closer.

He called on other security agencies operating within the bridge head to support the Army to ensure free flow of traffic in the area.He said the operation was not to witch-hunt any group or individuals but purely for military training and crime prevention.“Our men stay by the side of the road watching, in case of any criminality and obstruction.“You have seen that we are not looking for any group or individual to arrest since our operation started on November 27 and will end on December 27 in the five eastern states.“The Nigerian Army has to ensure safety, peace and security and to ensure that Nigeria’s security challenges are reduced to the barest minimum.“No holidays for all the military personnel in the South-East throughout the period of the exercise,’’ Sagir said.

Meanwhile, Anambra State Police Command has banned the use of fireworks, tinted vehicle glasses, covered plate numbers and other outlawed acts in the state before, during and after the Christmas celebration. This was even as it had set up road blocks to monitor the movement of criminals in the state.In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nkeiruka Nwode, the command said it would deal decisively with anyone who flouts the order.

“The command is using this medium to warn would-be lawbreakers to be aware that we would not shirk in our responsibility to fall heavily on any person found fomenting trouble before, during and after the celebrations. Reckless driving, drunkenness, overloading of passengers, covering of plate numbers, acrobatic displays by Okada riders and use of fireworks will not be tolerated.

“Members of the public are, therefore, requested to report any suspicious character in their neighbourhood to the police. The Commissioner of Police, Sam Okaula, assures the public that the Christmas celebration this year is going to be crime-free and that there would be high visibility policing; stop and search will be more effective.“We urge the public to always stop when the policemen stop them for it’s in their best interest,” the statement concluded.