Abia Police Rescue Four Chinese Expatriates and Two Officers After Deadly Ambush in Uturu
In a swift and coordinated response, the Abia State Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian military and other sister security agencies, has successfully rescued four Chinese expatriates and two Nigerian police officers following a violent ambush in Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.
The rescue operation followed a distress report received on April 4, 2025, at about 5:30 PM, that a group of Chinese nationals and their police escorts had been attacked by unidentified armed men while heading to their company site located at Agukwu-Amaya, Ndundu Community in Uturu.
The assailants opened fire during the ambush, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals:
• Mr. Quan (male), a Chinese manager
• Mr. Cai (male), a colleague of the manager
• Inspector Audu Saidu, one of the police escorts
The attackers also carted away Inspector Saidu’s rifle, adding a further dimension of concern to the ongoing investigation.
Immediately after receiving the distress call, a joint rescue operation was launched by operatives from the Abia State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, and other security bodies. As a result of the initial rescue mission:
• Three Chinese expatriates were rescued unhurt
• One Chinese national sustained injuries
• Inspector Uba Ahmed, one of the escorts, was rescued with a gunshot wound to the leg
Both the injured officer and the Chinese expatriate are receiving medical attention at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abakaliki, and are reportedly responding well to treatment.
On April 5, 2025, the tactical team of the Abia State Police Command, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), visited the crime scene to intensify the ongoing rescue and investigation efforts. Their efforts, in collaboration with local community members, the military, and other agencies, led to the successful rescue of Inspector Ijeagwa Friday, who was found unhurt.
The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, has expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that justice will be served.
“We will not rest until the perpetrators of this heinous crime are apprehended and brought to book,” CP Isa said.
“We urge residents to remain vigilant, go about their lawful activities without fear, and assist the police with credible information.”
He also encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious individuals, vehicles, or activities to the nearest police station or call the command’s emergency lines:
08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, 08079210006
This incident has once again spotlighted the security challenges in parts of Abia State, and the government’s response is being closely monitored by citizens, stakeholders, and the international community alike.
