By Asuquo Cletus Felix
The Nigerian Military has vowed to retaliate the killing of five soldiers in Aba, Abia State capital on Wednesday, at a checkpoint by the Proscribed Independent People Of Biafra, (IPOB).
The high military command disclosed this in a statement released on Friday in Abuja, by the director of defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba.
Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA stationed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, near Abaz were ambushed and tragically killed by IPOB/ESN terrorists.
The soldiers who were deployed to maintain peace and safeguard citizens, were unexpectedly attacked by terrorists in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from surrounding built-up areas.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of five armed forces personnel in the attack and noted that investigations were ongoing. He emphasized the crucial role of public support in combating terrorism and highlighted IPOB’s exploitation of public sentiment to carry out attacks on troops.
The Director stressed the necessity of military retaliation against such attacks, underscoring the military’s determination to apply strong military force to ensure the group’s complete defeat.
“The armed forces mourns these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.
“Overall, it must be reiterated 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 and the IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops.
“The situation leave 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”. -He said.
