ABUJA, Nigeria — In a stern response to a deadly assault by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nigeria’s military high command has vowed to intensify its operations against the group in the Southeastern region of the country.
This follows the brutal killing of soldiers and the destruction of vehicles and tricycles by IPOB members during an enforced sit-at-home order.
Speaking on Friday, May 31, 2024, Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the military is committed to retaliating against the attack on its troops and applying overwhelming pressure to ensure the defeat of the IPOB terrorists.
“It is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” Buba asserted.
The attack, which occurred at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Aba metropolis, Abia State, resulted in the deaths of five military personnel attached to “Operation Udo Ka,” who were stationed there to protect citizens.
“Troops of OPERATION UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorists of IPOB/ESN,” Buba confirmed.
“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were mass attacked by the terrorists. The terrorists in 3 tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.”
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from South East governors and other regional stakeholders, who have denounced the violence as a “dastardly act.”
Buba highlighted the difficulty of combating the terrorists without local support, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in defeating IPOB.
“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorists is the people and this situation is no exception. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible.
The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired,” he noted.
The Nigerian military has pledged to continue its efforts to maintain peace and security in the region, ensuring that such attacks are met with decisive and robust action. Investigations into the attack are ongoing as the military seeks to bring those responsible to justice.
