On the eve of the commencement of the Army exercise Egwu Eke II, the whereabouts of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is unknown.
His father’s residence and palace was invaded by soldiers Thursday evening amid unconfirmed reports of deaths.
Kanu, it was alleged, was taken away from the residence, almost 24 hours after he alleged plans were afoot to assasinate him.
The five South-East Governors also meet Friday to discuss the security situation kn the geo-political zone.
Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has been crying foul over the invasion and alleged abduction of his client, according to other media reports.
Meantime, the Nigerian Army has denied media reports that it is withdrawing its troops from its exercise, EGWU EKE II.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Army said in a statement Thursday, that what the Abia State Governor stated in his speech was that “there will be gradual withdrawal of soldiers on the streets of Aba and Umuahia from tomorrow”.
The statement states further: “This should not be misconstrued as withdrawing of troops earmarked for Exercise EGWU EKE II. The General Officer Commanding 82 Division has not said such thing.
“Consequently, we wish to state that Exercise EGWU EKE II is commencing tomorrow (Friday) as scheduled. “Commanders have been instructed to ensure that all hands are on deck to commence the Exercise to its logical completion.
“We wish to state further that the successful completion of the exercise will dovetail into the various states security outfits till the end of this year.
“Members of the public especially in the areas where the exercise will take place are please enjoined to go about their lawful businesses.
“We wish to also state that we would not allow any individual or group to jeopardize the conduct of the field training exercise through unlawful or criminal activities. “Hoodlums and criminal elements are once again warned to be law abiding and not cause any breach of peace.
“We hereby reiterate that our troops would conduct themselves in the best professional manner, abide by the Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct in line with requirements of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any act of indiscipline by any of our personnel would be decisively dealt with.
“While we enjoin all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, the Nigerian Army urge all to support the troops as they carry out their constitutional duties and make Exercise EGWU EKE II a success.”
