The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu on Monday launched operation crime-free `ember’ months in the South East geo-political zone.

Deputy Director of Army Public Relations in the division, Colonel Sagir Musa, told newsmen in Awka that the prevalent security challenges during yuletide had made the operation imperative.

He said such crimes as armed robbery, kidnapping, abduction, herdsmen/farmers clashes, communal clashes and violent secessionist attacks, among others would be targeted during the operation from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27.

Musa said the army and other security agencies would synergise and collaborate extensively in the exercise nicknamed “EX PYTHON DANCE’’ in the five eastern states to achieve the desired objective.

He said the chief of army staff had appraised the huge security challenges and scenarios across the country, and consequently, directed the conduct of both command post and field training exercises as a way of enhancing troops’ preparedness across the country.