The Military High Command has vowed to retaliate against the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) following the killing of five soldiers at a checkpoint in Aba, Abia State, on Wednesday.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced in a statement on Friday in Abuja that the military will apply overwhelming pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.
Buba explained that troops from Operation UDO KA, stationed at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area near Aba, were attacked and killed by IPOB/ESN terrorists.
He detailed that the troops, deployed to enforce peace and protect citizens, were ambushed by terrorists in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs, as well as others who emerged from surrounding built-up areas.
“The attack sadly took the lives of five personnel of the armed forces,” Buba stated. “The armed forces mourn these troops as each loss is a terrible blow.”
He noted that investigations into the attack are ongoing and emphasized the critical need for public support in countering terrorist activities. Buba highlighted that IPOB has exploited their relationship with the local population to launch attacks on the military.
“Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible,” he said. “Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this heinous act.”
Buba assured that the military’s response will be fierce and comprehensive to ensure the group’s total defeat.
