Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade have come under attack by suspected terrorists during an operational mission in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to another.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 12:53 p.m. on May 4 along the SPDC–Etekuru road. The troops had reportedly deployed to assess a burnt Hilux vehicle when they were ambushed and engaged with heavy gunfire.
During the encounter, one soldier was killed in action, while another sustained injuries. The attackers also made away with two AK-47 rifles and partially damaged a military vehicle.
Reinforcements were swiftly deployed to the scene, forcing the assailants to retreat. A follow-up exploitation of the area led to the discovery of two burnt vehicles and two corpses. The bodies have since been evacuated to a hospital morgue for further investigation, as security operations continue to track down the fleeing attackers.
In a related development, troops of the same brigade, operating from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguta, in collaboration with a local vigilante group, carried out a raid on a suspected cultist hideout in Oguta.
The operation, conducted at about 3:34 p.m. on the same day, led to the arrest of five suspects believed to be linked to criminal activities in the area. Security sources indicated that the group had been responsible for a series of crimes within the locality.
One of the arrested suspects has reportedly offered to lead troops to a suspected armoury located at Osomoto Valley, also within Oguta.
The suspects are currently in custody, while further investigations and follow-up operations are ongoing.
By Zagazola Makama
