A fierce gunfight between personnel of the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade, Ohafia, and unidentified gunmen broke out early Monday morning in Mbata, Umuchima village, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State.
Reports suggest the clash began around 6 a.m. when over 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers arrived in the area. The military operation reportedly targeted suspected gunmen believed to be camped near a river marking the boundary between Abia State and the Mbaise axis of Imo State.
Soldiers have since secured key junctions leading to and from the village, while others continue to engage the gunmen in nearby bushes. Gunfire has been ongoing as of the time of reporting, creating tension in the area.
No official statement has been released by the Nigerian Army or the Abia State government regarding the operation. The confrontation follows Governor Alex Otti’s recent promise to improve security in the state after a meeting with top security officials.