A gun battle erupted between the Nigerian Army and gunmen in Mbata, Umuchima village, Isiala North Local Government Area (LGA) in Abia State.

The incident took place on Monday, November 25, 2024. Reports indicate that over 15 Hilux vehicles and armoured personnel carriers arrived at Umuchima village around 6 a.m.

They were reportedly targeting suspected gunmen camped near a river that marks the boundary between Abia and the Mbaise axis of Imo State.

Soldiers took control of key junctions leading in and out of the village, while other security personnel engage the gunmen in nearby bushes.

The Nigerian Army has not commented on the situation.

There has been a rise in violence, with dozens of police and other security personnel killed by gunmen over the past four years.

The attack was attributed to the separatist movement, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). However, Governor Alex Otti has vowed to address the security challenges in the state.