Gunmen Ambush And Kill Police Inspector Christian Gbaratee On Rivers Highway

A police inspector, Christian Gbaratee was killed in an ambush by gunmen on Tuesday night along the Port Harcourt–Aba Road in Rivers State.

A counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who shared the update on his X account, said the attack happened around 8:30 p.m. as a team of officers was returning from Port Harcourt.

Quoting police sources, Makama said the attackers—five men dressed in military-style gear—struck on a narrow stretch of road after a petrol station in Asa.

During the ambush, Inspector Gbaratee was shot dead, while another officer, Inspector Ekoro Isong, went missing.

The gunmen also stole Gbaratee’s weapon and took away a suspect who had been in police custody.

He wrote, “A team of officers, including ASP Victor Eze and Inspector Nwanochi Ndubuisi, were returning from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when they were intercepted by five armed assailants dressed in combat attire. The attack took place on a narrow road after a filling station along the Port Harcourt–Aba Road, Asa.

“During the confrontation, Inspector Christian Gbaratee was shot dead, while Inspector Ekoro Isong went missing. The gun stolen from Gbaratee during the attack, as well as the suspect who had been in custody, were taken by the assailants.”

Makama reported that police responded quickly and were able to recover a Toyota Corolla, some used ammunition, a laptop, and three travel bags from the scene. Fortunately, Inspector Isong was later found safe.

“Additionally, Inspector Isong later surfaced unharmed. The body of the late Inspector Gbaratee has been deposited at the Euro Allied Medical Centre Mortuary for autopsy.

“A search operation in collaboration with military personnel is ongoing to track down the attackers and recover the stolen firearm,” he added.

KanyiDaily had also reported there was a serious tension in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, after a disagreement broke out between the police and Amotekun, over who should take custody of a suspect.