By Steve Oko

The Nigerian Army has not yet confirmed reports of a shootout between soldiers and unknown gunmen in Abia State.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the 14 Brigade in Ohafia were unsuccessful, but a source close to the Army indicated that an official response would be provided later.

Reports suggest that soldiers clashed with unidentified gunmen at Mbata, Umuchima village in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area in the early hours of Monday. It is unclear whether there were any casualties.

Unverified reports claim that soldiers, in about 15 Hilux vans and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), were seen around Umuchima village, which shares a boundary with Mbaise in Imo State.

The gunmen were said to have been operating near the river in the village, but the soldiers reportedly took control after driving them out.

This incident follows a recent wave of attacks in Abia, which had been relatively calm until now. In previous days, unknown gunmen clashed with security operatives in the state, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and a police officer in separate incidents.