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Troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the 13th Brigade have repelled an ambush by suspected gunmen while responding to a communal dispute in the Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The incident occurred on March 12 in the Odonget community, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for the brigade, Yemi Sokoya.
Sokoya said troops deployed at Ochon and Alesi moved to the community after receiving credible intelligence about rising tensions linked to a communal disagreement.
He explained that the soldiers conducted patrols and a show of force to prevent a breakdown of law and order, which helped calm the situation and restore normalcy.
“However, while returning to their respective locations after stabilising the situation, the troops discovered that their route had been deliberately blocked by unidentified persons,” Sokoya added.
“During efforts to clear the obstruction, the soldiers came under a coordinated ambush by unknown gunmen, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
“Following a contact report from the troops on ground, reinforcements from 245 Battalion were immediately deployed with armoured and tactical support vehicles to counter the attack. The prompt response enabled the troops to successfully repel and clear the ambush.”
Four of the attackers were neutralised by the troops during the gunfight, while several others managed to flee, according to Sokoya.
He added that one soldier sustained injuries during the encounter and was evacuated to Jennifer Hospital in Ochon, where he is receiving treatment.
Following the incident, the army said troops had begun cordon-and-search operations in nearby communities to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further security breaches.
“Additionally, a curfew has been imposed in the affected area to forestall further breakdown of law and order and to deny miscreants the freedom to operate.”
