It, however, advised security agencies to maximise their skills to minimise casualties for their operatives in the line of duty.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has condemned the brutal attacks on military personnel across the country, especially the recent massacre of 17 army personnel at Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.
It, however, advised security agencies to maximise their skills to minimise casualties for their operatives in the line of duty.
Ohanaeze President General Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who decried the savagery, in a statement issued through its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, recalled the killing of 36 officers on August 14, 2023, when bandits ambushed troops in Niger State.
"There are other instances that casualties have been recorded by Nigerian security personnel in an effort to carry out their legitimate duties of protecting lives and properties.
"The incidents of incessant deadly attacks by the civilians on the military, which is the last line of defence, is a very worrisome paradox," Iwuanyanwu said.
He described as barbaric the gruesome killing of “innocent, faithful and gallant soldiers who were on call to duty”.
Ohanaeze President General, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for his prompt reaction to the unfortunate incident and urged the Presidency to leave no stone unturned to fish out the savage culprits, adding that it will serve as a deterrent to many others.
While commiserating with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the NA and the bereaved families of the fallen heroes, the Igbo leader advised "the Nigerian Army and indeed Nigerian security operatives to maximise their skills to minimise or outrightly avoid casualties of the security operatives on duty."