Two soldiers killed as gunmen dismantle checkpoint in Abia

Gunmen have killed two soldiers during an attack at a checkpoint in Umuopara, Umuahia south LGA of Abia state.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, after some unidentified assailants dismantled a military checkpoint and shot at some soldiers on a stop-and-search duty.

In a statement on Wednesday, Jonah Unuakhalu, spokesperson of 82 division of the Nigerian Army, said the killing was carried out by members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Jonah Unuakhalu, who spoke on behalf of the joint task force south east Operation Udoka, added that the personnel repealed the attack, forcing the gunmen to escape with gunshot wounds.

He advised residents with credible information about the attack to report to the security agency.

“At the early hours of today, 13 November, 2024, troops of the joint task force south east Operation UDO KA deployed at a checkpoint along Umuahia – Owerri road in Umuahia south local government area of Abia state came under attack carried out by the irredentist group of the  Indigenous People of Biafara (IPOB) and its armed affiliate the Eastern Security Network (ESN),” the statement reads.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the attack forcing the irredentist to withdraw in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep vehicles that were used for the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight two soldiers paid the supreme price.

“The joint task force south east Operation UDO KA is calling and appealing to the good people of the south east especially residents of Abia state with relevant, reliable and credible information that could help in apprehending the fleeing members of the irredentist group who committed this heinous crime and also help to annihilate the criminals in the region.

“The Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA will continue to carry out its constitutional roles of safeguarding lives and property in line with global best practice as laid down in the rules of engagement guiding its operations.”