Two police officers have been killed after suspected militants launched a deadly attack on security operatives manning a checkpoint at Obehie, on the boundary between Rivers and Abia States.
The incident, which occurred around 1:20 a.m., on Thursday, September 4, involved more than 20 heavily armed men who stormed the location in three SUVs.
According to a police situation report, the attackers cleverly concealed their vehicles behind long trucks before suddenly opening fire on officers of the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) stationed at the sandbag checkpoint.
Reports stated that the assailants, wielding sophisticated weapons, engaged the CTU operatives in a fierce gun battle. Despite the officers’ resistance, two policemen, Inspector Ishaya Audu and Inspector Anthony Emmanuel were fatally shot. Their rifles were also taken away by the attackers.
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Police sources disclosed that while the assailants eventually retreated, some of their vehicles were riddled with bullets, and it is suspected that several of them sustained gunshot wounds.
The bodies of the fallen officers have since been moved to Euro Allied Mortuary along Port Harcourt Road, Aba.
In response, tactical teams have been deployed to the scene to strengthen security, comb the surrounding area, and recover the stolen rifles. The teams are also tasked with tracing the movements of the gunmen and verifying if any of them were killed or injured during the confrontation.
Authorities in Abia State have confirmed the incident, assuring that investigations are underway and all efforts will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
