Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed four suspected gunmen after foiling an ambush along a route in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Victoria Omini
The incident occurred on March 12, 2026, when troops of the 13 Brigade deployed in Ochon and Alesi communities responded to intelligence reports of rising tension linked to a communal dispute in Odonget community.
The Army disclosed this in a statement on Friday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Lt. Yemi Sokoya.
According to the statement, the troops were mobilised to the community to prevent a breakdown of law and order and conducted patrols and a show of force that helped calm the situation and restore normalcy among the warring parties.
However, while the soldiers were returning to their respective locations after stabilising the area, they discovered that their route had been deliberately blocked by unidentified persons.
Sokoya said that while troops attempted to clear the obstruction, they came under a coordinated ambush by armed attackers, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
He added that reinforcements from the 245 Battalion were immediately deployed with armoured and tactical support vehicles following a contact report from the troops on the ground.
The Army spokesman said the swift response enabled the troops to repel the ambush and neutralise four of the attackers, while several others fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.
“One soldier sustained injuries during the encounter and was evacuated to Jennifer Hospital in Ochon, Obubra Local Government Area, where he is currently receiving treatment,” Sokoya said.
He added that troops had commenced cordon-and-search operations in surrounding communities suspected to be harbouring the fleeing attackers.
According to him, a curfew has also been imposed in the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The Commander, 13 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Patrick Alimikhena, commended the bravery and professionalism displayed by the troops in confronting the attackers.
He also reassured residents of Cross River State of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and maintaining peace within its area of responsibility.
The Army urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that would assist ongoing operations aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects.
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