The military high command has vowed to retaliate against members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) responsible for the killing of soldiers in the Southeastern part of the country while enforcing a sit-at-home order.
Reports indicate that vehicles and tricycles (popularly known as Keke Napep) were set ablaze by the rampaging IPOB terrorists during the attack.
South East governors and other stakeholders have condemned the act.
Speaking on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, asserted that the military would retaliate and apply overwhelming pressure against the 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,” Major-General Buba stated.
Buba confirmed that no fewer than five military personnel attached to “Operation Udo Ka” were killed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Aba metropolis while protecting citizens.
“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were mass attacked by the terrorists.
The terrorists, in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint,” he explained.
“The attack sadly took the lives of five personnel of the armed forces killed in action.
The armed forces mourn the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.
Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing concerning the attack.”
Major-General Buba emphasized the importance of local support in combating terrorism, noting that the lifeline of the terrorists is the people.
“Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible.
The IPOB capitalized on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops.
The situation leaves more to be desired,” he added.
