A police officer was killed and a Chinese expatriate abducted on Saturday following an ambush by suspected kidnappers in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to a police situation report obtained exclusively by SaharaReporters on Sunday, the incident occurred at approximately 1:22 p.m. The attack targeted a joint security escort team comprising police and civil defence officers accompanying Mr. Gu Xiaowu, a Chinese national employed by Rilix Mining Company in Isanlu.
The escort team reportedly came under heavy gunfire from the assailants during the ambush. Inspector Adeniyi Ojo of the Counter-Terrorism Unit was fatally shot in the neck during the exchange.
Despite the swift deployment of a response unit led by Inspector Abubakar Isiaka—comprising personnel from the mine security, Isanlu Division, and other tactical units—the kidnappers escaped into the bush with the abducted expatriate.
“The team conducted a tactical sweep of the area, but the assailants had already fled with the abducted VIP,” the report stated.
Inspector Ojo was rushed to the General Hospital in Isanlu, where he was confirmed dead. His body has since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
The report also noted the recovery of Inspector Ojo’s service rifle (serial number 24655), along with 46 rounds of live ammunition. It was confirmed that he fired 14 rounds during the gun battle.
Inspector Ojo, born on February 26, 1984, hailed from Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State. He joined the Nigeria Police Force on March 1, 2008. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Security operations are currently ongoing, as authorities intensify efforts to rescue the kidnapped expatriate and track down the perpetrators.
