A violent gun battle erupted early on Monday morning, November 25, between personnel from the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade, based in Ohafia, and unidentified gunmen in the Mbata area of Umuchima village, located in the Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State.
According to reports, more than 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers were deployed to the village at approximately 6 a.m., with the mission of apprehending suspected gunmen believed to be hiding near a river that marks the boundary between Abia and the Mbaise region of Imo State.
Eyewitnesses in the area confirmed that soldiers had established control over key access points, including major junctions leading in and out of the village. “The gunfire began early in the morning and it hasn’t let up,” one local resident shared, explaining that many villagers had fled their homes to seek safety from the ongoing violence.
As the battle continued, gunfire echoed from the surrounding bushes, and while there have been no official casualty reports, the situation remains fluid. At the time of writing, neither the Nigerian Army nor the Abia State Government had issued any official statements regarding the clash.
This conflict comes just days after Abia State Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the growing security challenges in the state. Following a meeting with top security officials, Governor Otti promised to take decisive action to restore peace and stability throughout the region.
The violent confrontation highlights the escalating tensions in the area and the complex security situation that local authorities must navigate. With the standoff still ongoing, residents remain on edge, anxiously awaiting more information as the military operation unfolds.
