Army Commences Operation Positive Identification Nationwide
The Nigerian Army has commenced Operation Positive Identification nationwide on Friday despite criticisms from the National Assembly and social-political groups including Afenifere and Pan Niger Delta Forum.
This came just as the Federal High Court in Lagos fixed Tuesday for the hearing of the suit filed by human rights activist, Femi Falana, challenging the legality of OPI which requires citizens across the country to carry identity cards.
An authoritative military source told one of our correspondents on Friday that the army had stated its position at the National Assembly and “sorted out all the controversies”.
He said, “Operation Positive Identification has started and there is no going back. The evaluation we made was that it would be conducted in the North-West and North-Central, not necessarily in the South. It was a very successful operation in the North-East like we have maintained. There is no label on Boko Haram terrorists other than intelligence and this means of identifying people.
”The operation is premised on the fact that we were able to successfully uncover several Boko Haram hideouts and ammunition. You can imagine what kind of damage this would have done to the populace if that operation was not conducted to filter the population. So, the operation has started and there is no going back.”
Another top military source said, “Nigerians have been told that there are foreigners sneaking into the country as herders to attack innocent communities and the military has been called upon to fish out these foreign fighters.
PUNCH
PLANNED NATIONWIDE MILITARY OPERATION BY THE NIGERIA ARMY
Effective November 1,2019 to December 23, 2019. The Nigeria army will embark on a nationwide exercise code named *”Operation positive identification”. (OPI).
During the exercise, we will witness increased number of military personnel in their full military gears on the roads with attendant movement disruptions.
Advisory:
- Carry on you at all times valid means of identification. (National identity card, voters registration card, Drivers license, international passport or other valid official identification)
2.Be cautious and comply with official directives by security forces.
3.Give additional time for routine movement and travel between location. - Avoid night travel if possible.
- Maintain situational awareness.
6.Have phone numbers of person you can referred to in times of emergency. - Dress responsibly.
- Never carry prohibited or illegal items/substance.
Thanks.