The Defence Headquarters has reacted to the killing of five soldiers by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia State on Thursday.
The DHQ said it would deploy “overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.”
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba said this in a statement on Friday, May 31.
Five soldiers were killed by IPOB fighters at a checkpoint in Obingwa local government areas on Thursday, May 30.
It was said that the IPOB terrorist, in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the soldiers.
Gen. Buba said while the military mourned the death of the troops as each soldier lost in battle, investigations are ongoing concerning the Abia attack.
He said: “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. The IPOB capitalized 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 would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.”
