Gunmen ambush checkpoint at Abia-Rivers border, kill 2 police officers

The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the death of two Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) officers following a deadly ambush by suspected militants at the Obehie boundary between Rivers and Abia states.

The attack, which happened around 1:20 a.m. on September 4, saw more than 20 armed men in three SUVs, hidden behind long trucks, launch an assault on CTU operatives stationed at a sandbag checkpoint.

“The operatives engaged the assailants in a gun duel and successfully repelled the attack. Some of the attackers escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Unfortunately, two of our operatives, Inspector Ishaya Audu and Inspector Anthony Emmanuel, paid the supreme price during the encounter. Their rifles were also carted away by the attackers,” sources told security analyst Zagozola Makama.

According to the sources, the assailants’ vehicles were riddled with bullets during the exchange of fire, while tactical teams have since been deployed to reinforce security in the area.

Search-and-combing operations are ongoing to track down wounded attackers and recover the stolen weapons.

The remains of the fallen officers have been deposited at Euro Allied Morgue, Port Harcourt Road, Aba, for preservation.