One officer killed as drug dealers attack NDLEA personnel in Rivers raid

The operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have raided a notorious drug enclave known as Ama Hausa in Bonny Island, Rivers State, where six suspects were arrested.

A significant cache of illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, and tramadol was also recovered.

However, an NDLEA personnel, Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid, lost his life as a result of severe head injuries sustained when the drug dealers mobilised armed hoodlums to attack the anti-narcotic officers during the raid on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The spokesperson for the anti-drug agency, Femi Babafemi, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the NDLEA operatives were able to apprehend all the six targets of the raid including the gang leader, Genesis George Benson, “who is responsible for the death of the NDLEA operative.”

Other suspects arrested during the operation include ThankGod Okon, Shamsudden Isah, Muhammed Musa, Adamu Muhammed, and Muhammed Yusuf.

EFCC arrests woman over N165m land fraud in Delta

Reacting to the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the bravery and resilience of the officers who stood their ground 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 and arrested, and their illicit substances confiscated. Their sacrifice will not be in vain,” Marwa said.

While mourning the loss of Mujahid, the NDLEA boss described him as a disciplined and courageous officer who paid the ultimate price in the service of his fatherland.

“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 we will continue to take the fight to the enclaves of these merchants of death,” Marwa said.

The Star