At least one personnel was killed during a raid last Friday by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)on a notorious drug enclave known as Ama Hausa in Bonny Island, Rivers State. The operation led to the arrest of six suspects and recovery of a large cache of illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk and tramadol.
NDLEA’s Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement to reporters on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid lost his life after sustaining severe head injuries during the raid.
It said despite the violent assault, the NDLEA team successfully apprehended all six suspects, including the gang leader, Genesis George Benson, who was directly responsible for the death of the officer.
The other suspects arrested in the operation, include ThankGod Okon, Shamsudden Isah, Muhammed Musa, Adamu Muhammed, and Muhammed Yusuf.
The raid turned deadly when Genesis George Benson reportedly called on a group of armed accomplices to attack the operatives in an attempt to escape arrest. During the ensuing confrontation, Chief Narcotic Agent Mujahid sustained severe head injuries and, despite being rushed to Bonny Island General Hospital, passed away.
In his response, the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the bravery and resilience of the operatives despite the brutal attack.
“I salute the gallantry of our men who refused to be intimidated by these criminal elements. Even after the cowardly attack on Mujahid, our operatives ensured that the assailants were overpowered, arrested, and their illicit substances confiscated. Their sacrifice will not be in vain,” Marwa said.
Marwa described the late personnel as a disciplined and courageous officer who paid the ultimate price in service to his country.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his colleagues, and the Rivers State Command. Any attack on our officers is an attack on the state, and it will not go without dire consequences. We remain undeterred in our mission to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs and will continue to take the fight to the enclaves of these merchants of death,” he added.
