…the troops came under a coordinated ambush by unknown gunmen, which led to a fierce exchange of gunfire,” the statement said.
CROSS RIVER, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Troops of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have thwarted an ambush by suspected criminals while responding to a communal dispute in Odonget Community, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lt. Yemi Sokoya.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on March 12, 2026, after troops stationed at Ochon and Alesi received credible intelligence about escalating tensions linked to a communal disagreement in Odonget Community.
Sokoya explained that the troops moved swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order by deploying to the community, where they conducted patrols and a show of force that helped calm the situation and restore normalcy among the parties involved.
However, while returning to their respective bases after stabilising the area, the soldiers discovered that their route had been deliberately obstructed by unidentified individuals.
“While attempting to clear the obstruction, the troops came under a coordinated ambush by unknown gunmen, which led to a fierce exchange of gunfire,” the statement said.
He added that after receiving a contact report from the troops, reinforcements from the 245 Battalion were immediately deployed with armoured and tactical support vehicles to counter the attack.
“The swift response enabled the troops to repel and clear the ambush successfully,” Sokoya stated.
He noted that during the confrontation, the troops neutralised four of the attackers, while several others fled the scene.
The Army spokesman also revealed that one soldier sustained injuries during the encounter and was promptly evacuated to Jennifer Hospital in Ochon, Obubra Local Government Area, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Sokoya further disclosed that troops had launched cordon-and-search operations in communities suspected to be linked to the attackers in a bid to track down the fleeing criminals and prevent further security breaches.
He added that a curfew had been imposed in the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order and restrict the activities of criminal elements.
The Commander of the 13 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Patrick Alimikhena, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism in confronting the attackers.
He also reassured residents of Cross River State of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and maintaining peace within its area of responsibility.
The Army urged members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information that could assist ongoing operations aimed at apprehending those responsible.
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