Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 13th Brigade prevented an ambush by criminals while reacting to a communal conflict in Odonget Community, Obubra Local Government Area, Cross River State.
Lt. Yemi Sokoya, major assistant director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, made the announcement in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to the statement, the event occurred on March 12, 2026, when forces stationed in Ochon and Alesi received credible intelligence about escalating tensions caused by a community quarrel in the Odonget community.
Sokoya stated that the troops mobilized quickly to maintain law and order in the community, conducting patrols and restoring normalcy.
However, upon returning to their respective locations, the soldiers discovered that their route had been intentionally blocked by unknown individuals.
“During efforts to clear the obstruction, the soldiers came under a coordinated ambush by unknown gunmen, leading to a fierce exchange of fire,” the statement said.
He stated that after receiving a contact report from troops on the ground, reinforcements from the 245th Battalion were promptly deployed with armored and tactical support vehicles to counter the onslaught.
“The prompt response enabled the troops to successfully repel and clear the ambush,” Sokoya stated.
He stated that during the fight, troops “neutralized four of the armed attackers, while several others escaped.”
According to an army spokesman, one soldier was injured during the incident and was promptly taken to Jennifer Hospital in Ochon, Obubra Local Government Area, where he is undergoing medical treatment.
Sokoya added that in the aftermath of the incident, troops began cordon-and-search operations in suspected attacker-linked villages to track down the fleeing offenders and avoid similar security breaches.
He also stated that a curfew had been implemented in the affected region “to prevent further breakdowns of law and order and to deny miscreants the freedom to operate.”
Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, Commander of 13 Brigade, praised the troops’ bravery and professionalism in facing the terrorists.
He also informed citizens of Cross River State that the Nigerian Army has an “unwavering commitment to protecting lives and maintaining peace within its Area of Responsibility.”
The army requested the public to remain calm, cooperate with security forces, and give credible information that could help ongoing operations to apprehend the offenders.
“Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information that will assist ongoing operations aimed at apprehending the perpetrators,” the statement added.
