A violent clash between Nigerian Army personnel from the 14 Brigade, Ohafia, and unidentified gunmen in Mbata, Umuchima village, located in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, is currently underway.
According to The Nations, more than 15 Hilux trucks and armoured personnel carriers arrived at Umuchima village around 6 a.m. to target suspected gunmen.
The assailants were believed to be hiding near a river that forms the boundary between Abia and the Mbaise region of Imo State.
The soldiers have reportedly taken control of key roadways leading to and from the village, while others are actively engaging the gunmen in the surrounding bushes.
Gunfire is still ongoing, with no official comments from the Nigerian Army or the Abia State Government as of the latest reports.
AFRIPOST gathered that the confrontation may be linked to recent efforts by Governor Alex Otti to improve security in the region after his discussions with senior security officials.