Crime & Security
Gunmen Kill Two Police Officers in Abia Station Attack
The attack on the Uratta Divisional Police Headquarters in Aba left two senior officers dead and three inspectors injured, prompting intensified security operations by the Abia State Police Command.
Two senior police officers have been killed after unidentified gunmen attacked the Uratta Divisional Police Headquarters in Aba, Abia State, in the early hours of Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The attack, which occurred at approximately 2:26 a.m., involved the use of explosives that damaged parts of the station building and set a divisional patrol vehicle ablaze.
The Abia State Police Command confirmed the casualties in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Maureen Chinaka. Three police inspectors also sustained injuries and were receiving medical treatment.
The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, visited the scene and led an operational team comprising tactical units of the command to the area. The team searched the surrounding environment, while security operations were intensified to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Governor Alex Otti also visited the station to assess the damage. He subsequently visited the injured officers at the hospital.
The police command condemned the attack and assured residents that it would deploy operational and intelligence resources to track down the perpetrators. It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist the investigation.
Police Deny Theft of Firearms and Ammunition
The attack reportedly caused extensive damage to the facility, including parts of the building and vehicles within the premises.
An earlier media report, citing an unnamed source, claimed that the attackers appeared to have targeted the station’s armoury and allegedly took away police uniforms. The source also claimed that one of the attackers had been shot but was carried away by his associates.
However, the police command subsequently clarified that no firearms or ammunition were taken during the incident. The claims about the alleged attacker and the uniforms have not been independently established.
Previous Attack on the Station
The latest incident recalls an attack on the same police station on February 23, 2021, when gunmen killed a police sergeant identified in reports as Okezie and set a patrol vehicle ablaze.
The latest attack has renewed concerns about the safety of police facilities and personnel in the area.
As of the latest police statement reviewed for this report, security operations were continuing, with the command working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings.