In the years following the deployment of “Operation Python Dance” (Egwu Eke) in the Southeast, it has become increasingly clear that the initiative, ostensibly launched to curb criminal activities such as kidnapping and armed robbery, had far-reaching and largely negative consequences. What was intended as a security measure ended up sowing fear, resentment, and violence, ultimately destabilizing the region it aimed to protect.
Symbolism and Fear
The name “Python Dance” was itself a harbinger of doom. In Igbo culture, pythons are seen as dangerous creatures, and their presence signifies imminent danger or death. By naming a military operation after such a creature, the Nigerian Army conveyed a message of intimidation and threat, exacerbating the anxiety and fear among the Southeast population.
Heavy-Handed Tactics
The tactics employed during “Operation Python Dance” were characterized by excessive force and severe restrictions on civil liberties. Curfews, stringent movement controls, and aggressive checkpoints disrupted daily life and instilled a pervasive sense of fear. Social media was flooded with alarming messages and videos showing soldiers allegedly subjecting civilians to inhumane treatment, such as sodomy, torture and forced consumption of urine and polluted water. These actions not only violated basic human rights but also bred deep resentment and anger among the populace.
Radicalization of Youth
One of the most significant consequences of the operation was the radicalization of the youth. The brutal crackdown on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which was advocating for Biafran independence through largely peaceful means, led many young people to adopt more extreme measures. The excessive violence and intimidation tactics used by the military against unarmed civilians pushed these youths towards radicalization, as they began to see armed resistance as the only viable option against what they perceived as systemic oppression and injustice.
Proscription of IPOB vs. Boko Haram
The Nigerian government’s decision to proscribe IPOB as a terrorist organization, while Boko Haram, a group with a well-documented history of mass atrocities including bombings, mass killings, and kidnappings, remained unproscribed, highlighted a significant inconsistency. This discrepancy raised questions about the criteria and motivations behind these designations, suggesting political bias and an inconsistent application of justice. The harsher treatment of IPOB compared to Boko Haram undermined the legitimacy of the government’s counter-terrorism efforts and further fueled regional tensions.
Human Rights Violations
Numerous reports from international human rights organizations supported these concerns. Amnesty International documented cases of extrajudicial killings and the use of excessive force by the Nigerian military against IPOB members. Human Rights Watch criticized the Nigerian government’s selective approach to counter-terrorism, highlighting the leniency often shown towards Boko Haram fighters, some of whom were rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, while IPOB members faced severe repression.
Long-Term Impact
The impact of “Operation Python Dance” has been long-lasting. It created an environment of instability and insecurity in the Southeast, perpetuating a cycle of violence and retaliation. The operation’s heavy-handed tactics eroded trust in the government and security forces, making it difficult to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
Moreover, the operation had significant social and economic repercussions. The restrictions and fear caused by the operation disrupted economic activities, as people were afraid to move freely or engage in their daily business activities. Social events, such as weddings and funerals, were canceled or conducted in fear, undermining the social fabric of the communities.
Positive Moves Towards Resolution
Recent efforts by the present government to release the IPOB leader and create a sense of inclusivity and belonging for Southeasterners are a positive step. Despite the “eye service” machinations and media operations of some governors and federal representatives who are trying to align with the president’s body language of amenability towards releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the consistent efforts of Hon. Obi Aguocha are commendable. His dedication to this cause offers hope for a final end to the insecurity and the “sit-at-home” regimen that has set the region back by decades.
Ultimately, the Buhari administration’s “Operation Python Dance” not only failed to achieve its stated objectives but also exacerbated the very problems it sought to address. The operation’s violent and repressive tactics contributed to increased insecurity and radicalization in the Southeast. The disparity in the government’s treatment of IPOB and Boko Haram highlighted a troubling inconsistency that undermined its credibility and fueled further unrest. Moving forward, there is a pressing need for a more balanced and humane approach to security that respects human rights and addresses the underlying issues driving unrest in the region. The recent moves towards inclusivity and the efforts to release Kanu are steps in the right direction, and with sustained commitment, there is hope for lasting peace and stability.
Chima Nnadi-Oforgu
Duruebube Uzii na Abosi
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
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