World Igbo Summit Group rejects Army occupation of Igboland •Demands withdrawal of troops

News Express |2nd Dec 2016 | 3,501

The World Igbo Summit Group (WISG) has decried and rejected what it called “the ongoing military occupation of South East Nigeria in the name of Operation Python Smile announced by the Nigerian Army”. The group of professionals and leaders from the five core Igbo states said the action of the military has created fear and tension in Igboland and sends the wrong signals about the policies of the Federal Government towards a constituent part of the federation.

WISG called on the Federal Government to reconsider the troop deployment and withdraw the soldiers. The Group noted that the presence of the soldiers on all the main roads in towns in the South East, from Afikpo through Nsukka to Onitsha, could lead to friction between the Army and the populace.

WISG noted, in particular, the coincidence between the deployment of troops and the annual mass return of Ndigbo to the homeland. They wondered about the motive of such deployment at such a time, and against the backdrop of the recent disclosure of murder of 150 persons by the Nigerian Army simply for engaging in peaceful demonstrations.

The group noted that the Nigerian Army announced the commencement of Operation Python Smile and deployment of soldiers to the South East without providing any reasons.

WISG called on groups in the South East to act with discretion. “Groups should avoid demonstrations of any kind but seek alternative approaches, including legal and political, to tackle the issue,” WISG Director General, Dr. Ifedi Okwenna, said in a statement issued on Friday.

He asked governors of the South East states to engage the Federal Government to effect withdrawal of the troops. “The people of the South East of Nigeria insist that the Federal Government must guarantee that not one drop of Igbo blood is spilled during this armed occupation by the Nigerian Army,” Okwenna said.

He stressed WISG’s message for South Governors: “Stand for our people of the South East. Say no to the occupation by the Army.”

•Photo shows Army Checkpoint.

Comments

Post Comment

Retrieving full detail for world igbo summit group rejects army occupation of igboland demands withdrawal of troops...

2027: Shake-up looms as four ministers to quit Tinubu’s cabinet + The affected ministers

Liverpool cruise past Wolves to reach FA Cup quarter-finals

2027 Presidency: I am not afraid of APC’s 30 Governors — Peter Obi

Dozens feared killed in herders' renewed attacks on Benue community

How I found out about first military coup in Nigeria — Anyaoku

Robbers trail man from bank, steal N10m

National Library seeks Indigenous language versions of National Anthem, Pledge

NYSC: Why some graduates miss mobilisation, face delays — DG Nafiu

Vatican City: Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa meets The Pope, receives papal blessings ‘for the chapters ahead’

Tinubu govt risks diplomatic embarrassment over ambassadorial postings – ADC warns

Why FIFA listed Congo for World Cup playoff despite Nigeria's protest — Dikko

Bandits arrested with firearms, Tramadol in Kwara

BudgIT raises red flag on 2026 Budget, urges National Assembly to tighten fiscal oversight

Teach young girls to cover up, being naked is not beauty, says Remi Tinubu

Alleged $4.5bn Fraud: Omoile admits lying in statement to EFCC

I've not seen copy of signed Electoral Act — Makinde

Police arrest suspected kidnappers, cultists, others in Kwara

Groups seek end to child marriage in north

Petrol price rises to N1,080 per litre in Ibadan

E-Transmission: NIGCOMSAT should be part of the solution, says CEO

Saturday, March 7, 2026 6:11 AM

Loading banners

GOCOP Accredited Member

NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.

Quick Links

Contact

Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos State.

+234(0)8098020976, 07013416146, 08066020976

info@newsexpressngr.com

Find us on

Facebook

Twitter

Admin

Developed by Just Web Services