The military has confirmed that five personnel were killed in an attack by terrorists from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia State on Thursday. According to a statement from Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the attack occurred at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, near Aba metropolis. Troops from Operation Udoka were stationed there to maintain peace and protect citizens.

The attackers launched a surprise assault using three-tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and other vehicles from nearby built-up areas. In the ensuing crossfire, six civilians were also killed. Major General Buba stated that investigations are ongoing and that the military intends to retaliate fiercely.

“The troops at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa were attacked by IPOB/ESN terrorists. Sadly, five armed forces personnel were killed. The attackers, arriving in tinted Prado SUVs and other vehicles, launched a surprise attack. The military mourns this loss deeply. Investigations are underway, and retaliation will be fierce. We will apply overwhelming military pressure to ensure the group's total defeat,” the statement read.

The attack coincided with IPOB's enforcement of a sit-at-home order across the southeast.

In response, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, distanced himself and detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu from the attack. He emphasized that Kanu did not order the sit-at-home and described the incident as saddening. Iwuanyanwu urged President Bola Tinubu to use his political power to free Kanu and called for the country's restructuring.

Last week, IPOB declared May 30 as a sit-at-home to honor those who died in the 1967–1970 civil war. This "Biafran Heroes Day" led to a shutdown of commercial and economic activities in parts of Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi States, with banks, schools, markets, motor parks, fuel stations, and other public places closed on Thursday.