A soldier of the Nigerian Army has been injured after suspected criminal elements ambushed troops responding to a communal dispute in Cross River State.
The attack occurred in Odonget Community in Obubra Local Government Area when troops from the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army moved to calm tensions arising from a disagreement between local groups.
According to the military, the injured soldier was immediately evacuated to Jennifer Hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.
Following the attack, troops have launched cordon-and-search operations in nearby communities suspected to be linked to the assailants in an effort to track down the fleeing gunmen and prevent further security threats.
Read Also:
- Gunmen kidnap, kill traditional ruler in Ondo
- Unidentified Gunmen kill, abduct residents, burn homes in Ebonyi Community
- Gunmen storm Ondo community near federal secretariat, kidnap pregnant woman after sporadic shooting
Authorities have also imposed a curfew in the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order and restrict the movement of suspected criminals.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Lt. Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters of the 13 Brigade in Calabar.
According to the statement, the incident took place on March 12, 2026, after troops deployed at Ochon and Alesi received credible intelligence about rising tensions linked to a communal disagreement in the area.
Sokoya said the troops quickly mobilised to the community and carried out patrols and a show of force aimed at restoring calm between the opposing groups. The intervention initially helped to stabilise the situation and prevent further violence.
However, while returning to their base after restoring order, the soldiers discovered that their route had been deliberately blocked by unknown persons.
While attempting to remove the obstruction, the troops reportedly came under a coordinated ambush by armed attackers, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The army spokesman said reinforcements from the 245 Battalion Nigerian Army were immediately deployed with armoured and tactical support vehicles after a contact report was received from the troops on the ground.
He explained that the swift reinforcement enabled the soldiers to repel the attackers and regain control of the area.
During the confrontation, troops reportedly neutralised four of the armed attackers while several others fled the scene.
The Commander of the 13 Brigade, Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, commended the courage and professionalism displayed by the troops during the operation.
He also reassured residents of Cross River State that the Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting lives and maintaining peace across communities within its operational area.
Security patrols and monitoring activities have since been intensified in the region to prevent further attacks and ensure stability in the affected communities.
