Nigerian military vows fierce revenge against IPOB after secessionist group kills five soldiers in Abia, promising overwhelming force to ensure their defeat.
The Nigerian military has vowed to unleash a relentless revenge campaign against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) following the killing of five soldiers at a checkpoint in Aba, Abia State, on Wednesday, May 30. The chilling warning came from Major-General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, through a statement issued on Friday, May 31, in Abuja.
Buba emphasized that the military's response to the "heinous act" would be persistent, promising to apply "formidable military pressure" on the secessionist group to ensure their "complete defeat." He declared, "Accordingly, the military must 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."
According to Buba, the tragic incident unfolded when troops of Operation UDO KA, stationed at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area near Aba, were assaulted by individuals identified as terrorists affiliated with IPOB/ESN (Eastern Security Network). He stated that the soldiers, deployed to maintain peace and safeguard the locals, faced a large-scale assault from the terrorists.
Buba provided details of the attack, stating that the assailants, traveling in three concealed Prado Toyota SUVs, along with others from nearby populated regions, launched an unexpected strike on the checkpoint. Investigations into the attack are currently ongoing.
The military spokesperson emphasized the importance of public support in combating terrorist activities, stating, "Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people, and this situation is no exception. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible, and the IPOB capitalized on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops."
The military's vow of retaliation against IPOB has raised concerns about potential escalation of violence and further deterioration of the security situation in the region.
