ISIUKWUATO, Nigeria – Two Chinese nationals and a police inspector were tragically killed in a deadly ambush carried out by unidentified gunmen in Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, on Friday, April 4, 2025.
The victims, identified as Mr. Quan and Mr. Cai, both Chinese expatriates, and Inspector Audu Saidu, one of their police escorts, were ambushed while en route to their company site at Agukwu-Amaya, located in the Ndundu community.
The attack occurred around 5:30 p.m., when the assailants opened fire on their convoy, killing the three victims and stealing Inspector Saidu’s rifle.
The Abia State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka.
The police also announced that a joint rescue operation involving the police, military, and other security agencies successfully rescued four Chinese expatriates and two police officers.
The police statement detailed the sequence of events: “The Abia State Police Command, in collaboration with the military and other sister security agencies, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Uturu, has successfully rescued four Chinese expatriates and two escort police officers. This followed a distress report received on 04/04/2025 at about 17:30hrs, that unidentified armed men had ambushed and attacked a group of Chinese expatriates and their police escorts while they were en route to their company site located at Agukwu-Amaya, Ndundu Community, Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA.”
Tragically, Mr. Quan, Mr. Cai, and Inspector Audu Saidu were killed during the attack, while the assailants made off with Inspector Saidu’s rifle.
In the aftermath, the police and military conducted a search mission, rescuing three Chinese nationals without injury, although one sustained injuries.
Inspector Uba Ahmed, another police officer, was also rescued but suffered a gunshot wound to his leg.
Both the injured officer and the expatriate are receiving treatment at FMC Abakaliki and are reportedly in stable condition.
The Abia State Police Command further reported that, as of Saturday, April 5, 2025, additional tactical team operatives, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), visited the crime scene as part of ongoing search and rescue efforts.
This led to the successful rescue of Inspector Ijeagwa Friday, who was unharmed.
The Commissioner of Police for Abia State, CP Danladi Isa, assured the public that efforts are being made to apprehend the perpetrators.
He called on residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and continue their lawful activities without fear.
The police commissioner also encouraged residents to report any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to the nearest police station or use the emergency contact lines provided by the police.
