Army set to crack down on IPOB over killing of 5 officers in Abia

The Military High Command has vowed to exert immense pressure on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) following the killing of five soldiers at a checkpoint in Aba, Abia State, on Wednesday, May 29.

In a statement issued on Friday, May 31, in Abuja, Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, highlights the military’s determination to respond forcefully to this cowardly act.

He affirmed that the military would unleash overwhelming force against the group to ensure their complete defeat.

Buba recounted that the soldiers, part of Operation UDO KA deployed at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area near Aba metropolis, were ambushed and ruthlessly attacked by IPOB/ESN terrorists.

These troops, deployed to maintain peace and safeguard citizens, were suddenly besieged by the terrorists.

The assailants, traveling in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and reinforced by others from nearby built-up areas, launched a surprise assault on the checkpoint.

“The attack sadly took the lives of five personnel of the armed forces.

“The armed forces mourns these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.

“Meanwhile, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack.

“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people and this situation is no exemption.

“Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible and the IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops.

“The situation leave more to be desired.

“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,” he said.