A police officer was killed and another briefly went missing after a violent ambush by gunmen in Abia State on Monday, May 6, 2025. The attack occurred along the Port Harcourt–Aba Road in Asa, sparking fear and renewed concerns over the safety of security personnel in the region.
According to police sources, the incident happened around 8:30 p.m. when a team of officers was returning from Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The officers, including ASP Victor Eze and Inspector Nwanochi Ndubuisi, were escorting a suspect back to Abia when they were intercepted by five armed men dressed in what appeared to be combat gear.
During the confrontation, the attackers opened fire, killing Inspector Christian Gbaratee on the spot. Another officer, Inspector Ekoro Isong, went missing in the chaos that followed. The attackers also made away with a police rifle and took the suspect who was in custody.
The ambush took place on a narrow stretch of road just after a filling station, where the attackers took advantage of the isolated location. The police said the gunmen appeared well-coordinated and quickly fled the scene after the attack.
Following the incident, security forces launched a swift response. A Toyota Corolla believed to be linked to the crime was recovered, along with several items including expended bullet shells, a laptop, and three travel bags. After hours of tension and search efforts, Inspector Isong was found alive and unharmed, though the details of his escape remain unclear.
The body of the late Inspector Gbaratee has been taken to the Euro Allied Medical Center Mortuary, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted. His death adds to the growing list of security personnel who have lost their lives in recent months while on duty in southeastern Nigeria.
In a statement, police authorities in Abia confirmed that a joint operation involving police and military personnel is now underway to track down the gunmen and recover the stolen weapon. “This was a brutal and targeted attack on our officers. We will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” a senior police official said.
Attacks on police and other security forces have increased in parts of the South-East, often linked to separatist movements or criminal gangs operating in the region. While no group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack, investigations are ongoing to determine the motive and identity of the attackers.
The incident has sparked fresh calls from community leaders and civil society groups for improved protection for security personnel and better intelligence gathering. Residents in the Asa area have also urged the government to increase patrols and surveillance to prevent further attacks.
