Christian Gbaratee, a police inspector, was slain when gunmen assaulted a group of policemen on Tuesday along the Port Harcourt-Aba Road.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert, confirmed this in a statement on X on Thursday.
Quoting police sources, Makama reported that the incident occurred at 8:30 p.m. as the officers were returning from a tour in Rivers State.
He further revealed that the gunmen, numbering five, were clothed in battle gear during the ambush.
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, was taken by the assailants.”
He also said that the police responded quickly, resulting in the discovery of a Toyota Corolla and other goods such as expended ammo, a laptop, and three travel bags.
“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.
