An operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Sadiq Bako Mujahid, has been killed by suspected armed hoodlums who attacked him during a raid carried out by the agency on a drug enclave in Rivers State on Friday.
The spokesman of the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, made this know on Tuesday in a press statement he issued.
He said the chief narcotic agent lost his life as a result of severe head injuries sustained when the drug dealers at the notorious enclave known as Ama Hausa in Bonny Island, Rivers State, mobilized armed hoodlums to attack NDLEA operatives during the raid.
“The operation took a tragic turn when one of the suspects, Genesis George Benson, mobilized a group of armed hoodlums to attack the operatives in a bid to escape arrest. During the ensuing violent confrontation, a dedicated officer, Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid, sustained severe head injuries. Despite being rushed immediately to the Bonny Island General Hospital for emergency medical attention, Mujahid unfortunately succumbed to his injuries,” Babafemi said.
He said notwithstanding the violent attack, 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 strategic operation at the Ama Hausa area of Bonny Island, NDLEA spokesman said, were ThankGod Okon; Shamsudden Isah; Muhammed Musa; Adamu Muhammed, and Muhammed Yusuf.
Babafemi said during the raid, operatives recovered a significant cache of illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, and tramadol during the raid.
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 was quoted as having said.
While mourning the loss of Mujahid, Marwa described him as a disciplined and courageous officer who paid the ultimate price in the service of his fatherland.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his colleagues, and the Rivers State Command,” he said.
“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,” the NDLEA boss warned.
READ ALSO:
Army overruns terror camp in Kogi, rescues 14 victims
Trump threatens to block opening of US-Canada bridge
Troops kill over 30 terrorists, repatriate 700 refugees –DHQ
Naira gains N11.93 at official market
For CEOs whose teams ‘walk on eggshells’
We’ll overcome terrorism, banditry -Tinubu
Another Nigerian killed in South Africa
FG begins ASUU salary, allowance payments
2027: CSOs push for clear framework for electronic transmission of results
