Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A desperate move by a truck driver to evade armed assailants along a major South-East highway ended in a fiery tragedy as troops responding to an attack on motorists in Imo State recovered the body of the driver and one of the suspected attackers, according to security sources.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at approximately 6:13 p.m. along the Enugu–Umuahia road, a crucial link connecting the South-East to the South-South region. Suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), had set up an illegal blockade on the highway, aiming to intercept and possibly commandeer a moving trailer.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the driver of the articulated vehicle, rather than yielding to the roadblock, accelerated through the barricade. In the ensuing chaos, the moving truck struck one of the assailants, killing him instantly. Enraged by the loss of their accomplice, the remaining gunmen unleashed a volley of gunfire on the vehicle, fatally wounding the driver behind the wheel. The trailer's conductor, however, managed to escape the scene unscathed.
Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Okigwe, part of Operation UDO KA, were alerted to the attack through distress calls from stranded motorists. They swiftly mobilised to the location, but by the time they arrived, the attackers had already retreated into the surrounding bushes, abandoning the site of their operation.
A subsequent sweep of the area by the security forces yielded a significant find: troops recovered a magazine containing 20 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, believed to have been hastily discarded by the fleeing gunmen. The bodies of the trailer driver and the deceased attacker were evacuated from the scene and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and necessary action.
Military sources have confirmed that follow-up operations are currently underway to track down the fleeing suspects, with patrols intensified along the strategic highway to reassure commuters and prevent further attacks. Operation UDO KA has reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining offensive pressure against armed groups that threaten public safety and security in the South-East region.
The attack on the Enugu-Umuahia road underscores the persistent security challenges in the region, where armed elements continue to target motorists despite ongoing military operations. The recovery of ammunition from the scene highlights the firepower at the disposal of these groups and the risks faced by commuters on key highways.
As investigations continue, the military has called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies. The bodies of the deceased are currently in police custody, and further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
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