Following the spate of insecurity that recently pervaded some parts of Ondo State, the troops of 32 Artillery Brigade, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army will today (Thursday) commence security exercise aimed at flushing out criminals from the state.

In a statement issued by the Assistant Director Army Public Relations of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Major Ojo Adenegan stated that the exercise which has been tagged “Egwu Eke III” (Python Dance) will be conducted on both land and water across the three senatorial districts of the state.

He further emphasized that the security exercise is designed to checkmate diverse security challenges prevalent in the state, particularly kidnapping, militancy, vandalism of oil and gas infrastructure, piracy, and illegal bunkery among others.

According to him, the exercise “will also checkmate stockpilling of arms and ammunition by criminal groups in the buildup to 2019 general elections.

“Exercise EGWU EKE III will complement the ongoing joint operations in Ose, Oba, Akure, Ogali, Ogho and other communities around Owo and Akoko general area, including communities bordering Edo and Kogi States.

“The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen OF Azinta alongside the Executive Governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN and other dignitaries are expected to flag off the exercise.

We are using this medium to advise the general public not to panic as the massive deployment is to checkmate the activities of hoodlums while creating a conduce environment in the State for legitimate activities,” he stated.