In a stern warning, the Nigerian Military High Command has pledged to unleash overwhelming force against the outlawed Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) group, following the killing of five soldiers at a checkpoint in Abia State.
The attack occurred on Wednesday at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, adjoining the city of Aba. According to Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the troops were deployed to the area to maintain peace and protect citizens when they were ambushed by IPOB/ESN terrorists.
“The terrorist who were in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint,” Buba said in a statement on Friday.
The military has vowed swift and unrelenting retaliation for the “dastardly act” against its personnel. “The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” Buba declared.
The director lamented the tragic loss of the five soldiers, stating that each combat death is a “terrible loss” for the armed forces. He emphasized that winning the war against terrorism requires the support of the people, which IPOB has exploited to carry out attacks on troops.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, but the military has made it clear that it will not tolerate such brazen assaults on its forces. The pledge to retaliate with full force underscores the military’s determination to crush the IPOB threat and restore peace in the region.
