The Military High Command has pledged to exert overwhelming military pressure on the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) following the killing of five soldiers at a checkpoint in Aba, Abia State, on Wednesday. This promise was made by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.
Maj.-Gen. Buba condemned the attack, describing it as a "dastardly act" and vowed that the military's response would be fierce and decisive to ensure the total defeat of the group. He detailed that the soldiers, part of Operation UDO KA, were stationed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area when they were ambushed by IPOB/ESN terrorists.
The terrorists, arriving in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and supported by others from the surrounding built-up areas, launched a surprise attack on the checkpoint, resulting in the tragic loss of five military personnel.
"The armed forces mourns these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss," Buba stated. He further emphasized that investigations are ongoing regarding the attack.
Buba highlighted the critical role of public support in combating terrorism, noting that the IPOB exploits this support to perpetrate attacks. He reiterated the military's commitment to retaliating against the terrorists and bringing them to justice.
"The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat," Buba affirmed, assuring that the armed forces are determined to restore peace and security in the affected areas.
