BREAKING: Armed Gunmen Ambush Governor Otti’s Advance Security Team Near Sam Mbakwe International Airport

An advance security team attached to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, was ambushed in the early hours of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, by unidentified armed men near the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Imo State.

 

The unsettling incident occurred along the stretch between Umuowa and Ihite Junction, a route that leads directly to the airport entrance and is frequently used for official movements.

 

According to preliminary reports, the team—comprising three security personnel—was on an official reconnaissance assignment ahead of the governor’s expected movement when they came under sudden gunfire. The attackers reportedly targeted the official vehicle, riddling it with bullets as they attempted to halt its advance. The team, however, managed to maneuver out of the ambush, preventing what could have escalated into a tragic situation.

 

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Citizen Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, released a statement shortly after the event, confirming the attack and clarifying that Governor Otti was not part of the convoy at the time. He emphasized that the governor’s primary motorcade was nowhere near the scene of the ambush and that the incident involved only the advance team, whose duty is to ensure safe routing ahead of the governor’s movement.

 

“No life was lost in the attack,” Ukoha assured. “The security personnel involved acted swiftly and professionally, managing to avoid casualties despite the sudden assault. Governor Otti is safe, and his scheduled activities remain unaffected.”

 

Security agencies have reportedly begun a full-scale investigation into the incident, with efforts underway to identify the perpetrators and establish the motive behind the ambush. The location of the attack—near one of the region’s key airport routes—has raised fresh concerns regarding the increasing boldness of criminal elements operating across parts of the South-East.

 

Tuesday’s incident adds to the growing list of security challenges faced in the region, where armed groups have, in recent years, intensified attacks on security operatives, political figures, and critical infrastructure. The proximity of the ambush to a major airport has further heightened public unease, prompting calls for enhanced surveillance and coordinated security efforts between Abia and Imo states.

 

Residents around Umuowa, Ihite Junction, and surrounding communities reported heightened security presence following the attack, as operatives combed the area in search of clues. While details about the attackers remain sketchy, eyewitness accounts suggest that the assault was carried out by gunmen familiar with the terrain, who fled the scene shortly before reinforcements arrived.

 

The Abia State Government has urged citizens to remain calm, assuring that the incident is being treated with utmost seriousness. Ukoha reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Governor Otti, government officials, and the general public.

 

“Governor Otti remains focused on delivering his mandate to the people of Abia State,” he said. “No act of intimidation or violence will derail the government’s resolve to pursue development, security, and accountability.”

 

As investigations continue, the Imo State Police Command and other collaborating agencies are expected to release updates in the coming days. Authorities have also appealed to residents with useful information to come forward to assist security operatives in tracking down those responsible.

 

The attack comes at a time when regional leaders have renewed calls for a comprehensive security strategy to address the multifaceted threats facing communities across the South-East. Analysts note that Tuesday’s ambush underscores the urgent need for intelligence-driven operations, inter-state collaboration, and improved logistical support for security agencies.

 

For now, the successful escape of the advance team has been described as “miraculous” by some officials familiar with the incident, highlighting the rising dangers faced by security escorts tasked with safeguarding public officials amid evolving security challenges in the country.

 

More details are expected to emerge as investigations progress.