The Nigerian military, on Friday, has vowed to avenge the killing of its five troops by the Eastern Security Network of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB/ESN) terrorists in Aba.
The military made this known in a statement by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, made available to newsmen on Friday.
The said the military will retaliate over this dastardly attack.
“Troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa local government areas adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorist of IPOB/ESN.
“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were mass attacked by the terrorists. The terrorists in 3 tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from builtup areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.
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“The attack sadly took the lives of 5 personnel of the armed forces killed in action.
“The armed forces mourns the death of these troops as every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing concerning the attack,” Buba stated.
He noted that, “Overall, it must be reinterated 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. The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves 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.”
Reports added that six civilians were killed in the crossfire.
