The military has confirmed an attack on its personnel by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia State on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of five soldiers.
A statement from the Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, detailed that the attack occurred at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, near Aba metropolis.
Troops from Operation Udoka were stationed there to maintain peace and protect civilians.
In addition to the military casualties, six civilians were also killed in the ensuing crossfire between the terrorists and the troops.
According to Major General Buba, investigations into the attack are ongoing. The military has vowed to retaliate, promising a brutal response to this attack on its personnel.
“Troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area near Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and killed by terrorists of IPOB/ESN.
“The terrorists, in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, launched a surprise attack. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of five military personnel,” the statement reads.
The military mourns the loss of its soldiers, acknowledging each fallen troop as a significant loss. The statement emphasized the importance of public support in combating terrorism, noting that IPOB exploited local support to carry out the attack.
“The military’s response to this atrocious act will be fierce. We will apply overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” the statement concluded
