Two soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force South-East (Operation UDO KA) have been killed in an attack by unidentified gunmen along the Umuahia–Owerri Road, in the Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, spokesperson for the Joint Task Force South-East, confirmed the attack in a statement issued to Channels Television on Wednesday.
The military has attributed the attack to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
According to the statement, the attack occurred in the early hours of November 13, 2024, when troops stationed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia–Owerri Road came under assault. The statement further described the attackers as members of IPOB and ESN, whom the military referred to as an “irredentist group.”
“During the attack, our gallant troops successfully repelled the assailants, forcing them to retreat in disarray, leaving behind two vehicles—a Sienna and a Lexus Jeep—used in the attack. However, despite the successful defense, two soldiers tragically lost their lives in the ensuing firefight,” the statement read.
The Joint Task Force South-East has appealed to the public, particularly residents of Abia State, to provide credible information that could aid in identifying and apprehending the fleeing attackers. “Any relevant information should be reported to Operation UDO KA by calling 193 and pressing Option 2,” the statement urged.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its operations to protect lives and property, in accordance with established rules of engagement.
This marks the second major attack on a military checkpoint in Abia State in recent months. In May 2024, an attack in Aba claimed the lives of five soldiers. The military also attributed that assault to IPOB and ESN militants.
The May attack occurred at the Obikabia Junction checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, on the outskirts of Aba. Armed assailants, traveling in three tinted Toyota Prado SUVs, ambushed the troops. Six civilians were also killed in the crossfire that followed the attack.
