Troops of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have foiled an ambush by suspected criminals while responding to a communal dispute in Odonget Community, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Lt. Yemi Sokoya.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on March 12, 2026, after troops deployed at Ochon and Alesi received credible intelligence about rising tensions linked to a communal disagreement in Odonget Community.
Sokoya said the troops swiftly mobilised to the community to prevent a breakdown of law and order, conducting patrols and a show of force that helped calm the situation and restore normalcy between the parties involved.
However, while returning to their respective locations after stabilising the area, the soldiers discovered that their route had been deliberately blocked by unidentified persons.
“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 added that following a contact report from troops at the scene, reinforcements from the 245 Battalion were immediately deployed with armoured and tactical support vehicles to counter the attack.
“The prompt response enabled the troops to successfully repel and clear the ambush,” Sokoya stated.
During the exchange of fire, the troops neutralised four of the attackers, while several others escaped.
The Army spokesman said one soldier sustained injuries during the incident and was immediately evacuated to Jennifer Hospital in Ochon, Obubra Local Government Area, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Sokoya added that troops had launched cordon-and-search operations in communities suspected to be linked to the attackers in a bid to track down the fleeing gunmen and prevent further security breaches.
He also disclosed that a curfew had been imposed in the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order and restrict criminal activities.
The Commander of the 13 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Patrick Alimikhena, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism in confronting the attackers.
He reassured residents of Cross River State of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and maintaining peace within its area of responsibility.
The Army urged members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that could assist ongoing operations aimed at apprehending the perpetrators.
