The Nations reports that over 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers arrived at Umuchima village around 6 a.m, targeting suspected gunmen.
The gunmen were reportedly camped near a river that marks the boundary between Abia and the Mbaise axis of Imo State.
According to the report, soldiers have taken control of key junctions leading in and out of the village, while others engage the gunmen in nearby bushes.