The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the death of two senior police officers following an attack on the Urratta-Eziukwu Divisional Police Headquarters in Aba in the early hours of Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The attack, which occurred at approximately 2:26 a.m., was reportedly carried out by unidentified armed hoodlums who stormed the police facility with explosives. The incident triggered a fire that damaged parts of the divisional building and a police patrol van.
Three other police inspectors sustained injuries during the attack and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Despite the destruction caused by the incident, the police clarified that the attackers did not escape with any firearms or ammunition from the division.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Command, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, confirmed the incident and provided details of the Command’s response.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, personally led an operational team comprising tactical units of the Command to the affected area shortly after the attack.
The team reportedly conducted a thorough search of the surrounding environment to assess the situation, pursue possible leads and restore normalcy. The Command also confirmed that intensified security operations and surveillance were ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.
Abia Police Commissioner Vows to Bring Perpetrators to Justice
Reacting to the incident, CP Afolabi condemned the attack, describing the loss of the officers as a serious concern for the Command.
He assured residents that the police would deploy the necessary operational capabilities and intelligence resources to track down the perpetrators and ensure they face the law.
The Commissioner also expressed the Command’s commitment to strengthening security measures and preventing criminal elements from undermining public safety across Abia State.
The police leadership extended its condolences to the families of the two deceased officers and the entire police community, acknowledging the painful loss resulting from the attack.
Police Urge Residents to Remain Calm and Provide Information
Following the incident, the Abia State Police Command appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security agencies as investigations continue.
Members of the public were encouraged to provide credible information that could assist investigators in identifying those behind the attack. Such information can be reported at the nearest police station, through designated suggestion boxes or via contact details of Divisional Police Officers displayed at police divisions.
The Command also released emergency telephone numbers for residents who may have useful information concerning the incident or other security threats.
The emergency hotlines are 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005 and 08079210006.
The police urged members of the public to remain alert and cooperate with relevant security agencies to preserve peace and protect lives and property throughout the state.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Command reiterated its message: “See Something: Say Something. Together We Keep Abia Safe.“
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The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with security operatives intensifying efforts to apprehend those responsible for the deaths of the two officers and injuries sustained by their colleagues.
