NDLEA officer killed as six suspects arrested in Bonny Island drug raid

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

A senior officer of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has died following a violent attack during a raid on a suspected drug hub in Bonny Island, Rivers State.

Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid sustained fatal head injuries after armed hoodlums confronted NDLEA operatives who had stormed the Ama Hausa area on Friday, 6 February, in an operation targeting a notorious drug enclave. He was rushed to Bonny Island General Hospital but later died.

According to a statement signed by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, six suspects were arrested during the operation, including the alleged gang leader, Genesis George Benson, who is accused of mobilising the attackers. Other suspects were named as ThankGod Okon, Shamsudden Isah, Muhammed Musa, Adamu Muhammed and Muhammed Yusuf.

NDLEA operatives recovered quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk and tramadol during the raid.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), praised the officers for what he described as “gallantry” in the face of a coordinated assault. He said Mujahid died a “patriotic and courageous” officer whose sacrifice “will not be in vain”.

“Any attack on our officers is an attack on the state,” Marwa warned, adding that the agency would remain resolute in its efforts to dismantle drug networks across the country.