The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, along with other eminent personalities, on Tuesday formally flagged off Exercise EGWU EKE III (Python Dance III) in 8 Division Nigerian Army’s area of responsibility at 1 Battalion, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

Army Spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman, said that prominent personalities present at the ceremony included the Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; His Royal Highness, Major General Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar (rtd), Emir of Gwandu; some Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters; Corps Commanders; General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Major General SO Olabanji; Commander 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, as well as members of Kebbi State Council and the state’s Special Adviser on Security, Major General MD Isah (rtd).

Others, the Army Spokesman said, were heads of security and para-military agencies in Kebbi State, as well as officers, soldiers of the Nigerian Army and those of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies.

“Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff paid courtesy call on Kebbi State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi and His Royal Highness, Major General Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar (rtd), Emir of Gwandu and Chairman of Kebbi State Traditional Council in his palace,” Usman said in a statement.

According to him, “In addition, the 8 Division is also carrying out a free medical outreach at Zuguru town, Kalgo Local Government Area. This includes deworming of both adult and children, checking of blood pressure and sugar level, general medical consultations and laboratory investigations. Others include medication for common ailments like malaria, as well as dental and eye consultations and medication, amongst others. The Executive Governor and the Chief of Army Staff also administered deworming drugs to some of persons that came for the outreach.

“The Chief of Army Staff also commissioned the newly established Command Science Secondary School Jega.”