Crime & SecurityNewsNigeriaMilitary Begins Manhunt For Eight Suspects After Deadly Attack on Soldiers

The Nigerian military has launched a nationwide manhunt for eight individuals suspected of involvement in the killing of seventeen soldiers in Delta State earlier this month.

The soldiers were reportedly ambushed on 14th March while responding to a communal clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities.

This deadly attack sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting a search operation alongside efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

Yesterday, the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, released a statement identifying the eight suspects allegedly involved in the killings.

The list includes a professor, Ekpekpo Arthur, alongside seven others: Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono (also known as Amagbem), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukevwe, Reuben Baru, and Igoli Ebi, the only woman named among the suspects.

The DHQ urged the public to be vigilant and assist in apprehending the wanted individuals.

The DHQ spokesman Edward Buba urged citizens to be vigilant and assist in apprehending the wanted individuals. “Citizens are our first line of intelligence and must rise to the occasion,” he said.

The DHQ declared last week that “There can be no hiding place for perpetrators of such a dastardly act against the nation. This is a clarion call to duty by members of those communities and the state governments.”

The military’s response reflects the seriousness with which they view this attack. The killing of seventeen soldiers is a significant loss, and apprehending the suspects will be a priority to ensure justice is served. The manhunt sends a strong message that such violence will not be tolerated.

Authorities are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward. The investigation into the attack is ongoing.