KEY POINTS

• An NDLEA officer died after sustaining injuries during a raid on a drug enclave in Bonny Island, Rivers State.
• Six suspects, including an alleged gang leader, were arrested and large quantities of hard drugs were seized.
• The NDLEA says it will intensify its anti-drug operations and warned that attacks on its officers will face severe repercussions.

A routine anti-drug operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Rivers State turned tragic after one of its operatives was killed during a violent confrontation with suspected criminals.

The incident occurred on February 6, 2026, when NDLEA officers carried out a targeted raid on a known drug hub in the Ama Hausa area of Bonny Island.

According to the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the operation initially recorded major success, leading to the arrest of six suspects, including an alleged gang leader identified as Genesis George Benson.

Others apprehended were ThankGod Okon, Shamsudden Isah, Muhammed Musa, Adamu Muhammed, and Muhammed Yusuf.

During the raid, officers reportedly recovered significant quantities of illegal substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, and tramadol, reinforcing the agency’s claims that the location served as an active drug distribution enclave.

Fallen Officer Praised for Bravery as NDLEA Vows Tougher Crackdown

The agency said the situation escalated when Benson allegedly rallied a group of armed hoodlums who attacked operatives in an attempt to free him and disrupt the operation.

In the ensuing clash, Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid suffered severe head injuries.

He was rushed to the Bonny Island General Hospital for urgent medical treatment but later died from his injuries.

NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa described the late officer as courageous and dedicated, noting that he paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.

Marwa commended the operatives for standing their ground despite the attack, stating that they successfully overpowered the assailants, secured the suspects, and confiscated the drugs.

He stressed that attacks on NDLEA personnel would not be tolerated and warned that such acts would attract serious consequences.

He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to intensifying its campaign against illegal drug networks across Nigeria, insisting that the death of the officer would not deter ongoing enforcement efforts.