Gunmen Ambush Army Checkpoint in Abia, 2 Soldiers Killed

Gunmen Kill 2 Soldiers in Abia Ambush

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray...”

Breaking: Gunmen attack army checkpoint in Abia State, Nigeria, killing 2 soldiers. Get the latest updates.

A deadly attack on an army checkpoint in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states, occurred early Wednesday, November 13. The checkpoint, located in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area, came under fire, resulting in the tragic loss of two soldiers.

According to a military source, who requested anonymity, the assault took place at approximately 6:18 am. Witnesses described the attackers' vehicle as a white Lexus (350/400) model. However, the exact number of gunmen involved remains unclear.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA confirmed the incident on Wednesday, stating, “In the early hours of Wednesday, 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.” This attack resulted in the tragic loss of two soldiers at the Ekenobizi checkpoint, a border community between Abia and Imo states in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area.

The Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA successfully repelled an attack by the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network, but not without casualties. 

“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.” said Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu. During the assault, the gallant troops forced the attackers to retreat in disarray, leaving behind one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack, and sustaining gunshot wounds.

Unfortunately, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the ultimate price. The Joint Task Force has 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 remains committed to protecting lives and property, adhering to global best practices and rules of engagement.