- A military source, who spoke in confidence with newsmen, said the attack occurred around 6:18 am.
Two soldiers lost their lives on Wednesday after a clutch of gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in Abia state.
The incident happened in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area.
A military source, who spoke in confidence with newsmen, said the attack occurred around 6:18 am.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA confirmed the attack in a statement.
He disclosed that troops were able to foil the attack with assailants retreating with gunshot wounds.
said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.
“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”
The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.
The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement