The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria has vowed a fierce and overwhelming retaliation against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) following the killing of five soldiers in Abia State on Thursday.
The soldiers were ambushed and killed by gunmen enforcing a sit-at-home order issued by IPOB to commemorate the Igbo people who died during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970.
In an official statement released on Friday, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, accused IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), of perpetrating the attack.
He emphasized that the military’s response would be swift and powerful to ensure the complete defeat of the group.
“Troops of Operation UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction in Obingwa Local Government Area, near Aba metropolis in Abia State, were attacked and tragically killed by terrorists of IPOB/ESN,” Major General Buba detailed.
He described how the attackers, arriving in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and with additional support from built-up areas around the checkpoint, launched a surprise assault on the soldiers.
The attack, which resulted in the loss of five soldiers, has deeply affected the armed forces.
“The armed forces mourn the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss,” Buba said, expressing the profound sense of grief within the military.
Buba also highlighted that an investigation into the incident is underway.
He underscored the importance of public support in the military’s efforts to combat terrorism, noting that the lifeline of terrorists is often the local populace. “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 stated.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to respond decisively, Buba declared, “Accordingly, 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.”
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