Personnel of the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade, Ohafia, and unidentified gunmen in Mbata, Umuchima village, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State are reportedly engaged in a fierce gun battle.
The Nations reports that over 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers arrived at Umuchima village around 6a.m, targeting suspected gunmen.
The gunmen were reportedly camped near a river that marks the boundary between Abia and the Mbaise axis of Imo State.
According to the report, soldiers have taken control of key junctions leading in and out of the village, while others engage the gunmen in nearby bushes.
Gunfire has persisted as of the time of this report, with no official statements from the Nigerian Army or the Abia State Government.
This development may be connected to Governor Alex Otti’s recent pledge to enhance security following a meeting with top security officials.