Nigeria’s military high command has vowed to respond fiercely to the attack, following the “unwarranted” killing of five soldiers at a checkpoint by IPOB/ESN terrorists in Aba, Abia State, News About Nigeria reports.
Major General Edward Buba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Media Operations (DMO), disclosed the death toll and details of the attack.
He explained that troops from Operation UDO KA, stationed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, were ambushed by terrorists travelling in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and other vehicles.
The surprise attack resulted in the deaths of five soldiers.
“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were mass-attacked by the terrorists. The attack sadly took the lives of five personnel of the armed forces,” Buba said. “The armed forces mourn the death of these troops, as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Investigations are ongoing concerning the attack.”
Buba called for public support in combating terrorism, noting that the success of such groups often depends on local support.
He stated, “Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops.”
In response to the attack, the military promised fierce and decisive retaliation.
“It is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military will be fierce in its response. We will bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” Buba declared.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had previously issued a warning against unprovoked attacks on military personnel, referencing recent incidents in Delta State and Abuja.
Buba described these attacks as “counterproductive and amounting to self-sabotage.”
“The unprovoked killings of 17 personnel in Okuama in Delta State, coupled with the recent assault of unarmed personnel in Banex Plaza in Abuja, are worrisome and leave much to be desired. These occurrences are unhealthy for our national security,” he said.
General Buba called for greater discipline and professionalism among the troops and reiterated the need for public support.
“Indeed, we know that to win this war, we need the support of the people. We also hope that the people will equally realise that they need the military to win the war to guarantee their safety.”
Reacting to the Aba incident, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu criticised the overreliance on the military for internal security roles.
“The involvement or intervention of the military in domestic space has rendered other agencies useless and jobless. The police, saddled with the responsibility of maintaining internal security, should be equipped and retrained to perform their duties,” Lakanu said.
