On the evening of July 12, 2025, gunmen disguised in Nigerian Army camouflage uniforms launched a deadly attack at a construction site in Nunya community, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State. The assailants, believed to be kidnappers, killed a soldier assigned to provide security at the site and a driver working for a Chinese engineering company operating there.
Eyewitnesses reported that about six gunmen arrived on three motorcycles, armed with assault rifles, and opened fire on the workers. During the attack, the soldier was shot dead, and his rifle was taken by the attackers before they fled the scene. The driver was also killed in the assault.
Investigations suggest the attackers may have crossed over from a neighboring state and are part of a notorious kidnapping gang. Sources indicated that the operation was led by a suspect with military training who remains at large.
Security forces responded swiftly, launching coordinated operations in the area. The remains of the deceased driver were evacuated to a hospital, and spent AK-47 ammunition shells were recovered at the scene. Following a tip-off, a suspect believed to be linked to the attack was arrested in Umuahia North Local Government Area and is currently undergoing interrogation. Efforts to apprehend other fleeing suspects are ongoing.
As of the time of reporting, the Abia State Police Command had not issued an official statement, and attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, were unsuccessful. Security operations remain active as authorities intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
This attack adds to a growing pattern of violent incidents targeting security personnel and foreign workers in Abia State, raising concerns about regional security and the threat posed by well-armed criminal gangs operating with military-like tactics.