Nigeria’s military high command is in a sombre mood over the ‘unwarranted’ killing of no fewer than five soldiers at a checkpoint by IPOB/ESN terrorists in Aba.
The high command has vowed to retaliate the attack, warning that it will no longer handle with kid gloves any attack on their personnel.
Spokesman of Nigeria’s Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, who disclosed the death toll, noted that troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area (LGA) adjoining Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and killed by IPOB/ESN terrorists.
He said, “The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were mass-attacked by the terrorists. The terrorists in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.
“The attack sadly took the lives of five personnel of the armed forces. The armed forces mourn the death of these troops, as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Investigations are ongoing concerning the attack.
“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorists is the people, and this situation is no exception. 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 will be fierce in its response. We will bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.”
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had on Thursday warned citizens against unprovoked attacks on personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The warning came on the heels of recent unprovoked attacks on its personnel in Okuama, Delta State, and the assault of unarmed personnel in Banex Plaza in Abuja.
Buba said, “The unprovoked killings of 17 personnel in Okuama in Delta State, coupled with the recent assault of unarmed personnel in Banex Plaza in Abuja, is worrisome and leaves much to be desired.
“These occurrences are unhealthy for our national security, counterproductive, and amount to self-sabotage.
“Surely, it is no way to treat any human, certainly not military personnel that place themselves in harm’s way to protect citizens or to safeguard the nation.
“The military has demonstrated a high sense of discipline and professionalism in the face of the untoward attacks. Our professionalism must not be mistaken for weakness.
“Indeed, we know that to win this war, we need the support of the people. We also hope that the people would equally realise that they need the military to win the war to guarantee their safety.
“Accordingly, it goes without saying that this must not repeat itself as it jeopardises our common interest. If troops err, report them, and the military justice system will address the matter.”
General Buba stated that Nigeria is at war, and as such, citizens must support the military in winning the war.
Reacting to the incident in Aba, Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, said: “The truth is that the involvement or intervention of the military in the domestic space has rendered other agencies useless and jobless. The police, saddled with the responsibility of maintaining internal security, should be equipped and retrained to perform their duties.”
