By Desire Emmanuel
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 and a significant cache of illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, skunk, methamphetamine and tramadol was recovered.
However, during the raids, an NDLEA personnel, Chief Narcotic Agent, Sadiq Bako Mujahid, lost his life as a result of severe head injuries sustained when one of the drug dealers mobilised armed hoodlums to attack operatives during the raid.
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 was responsible for the death of the NDLEA operative.
Other suspects arrested during the strategic operation at the Ama Hausa area of Bonny Island, a well-known hub for criminal activities included ThankGod Okon; Shamsudden Isah; Muhammed Musa; Adamu Muhammed; and Muhammed Yusuf.
It was gathered that the raid on the hideout took a tragic turn when one of the suspects, Genesis George Benson, mobilised a group of armed hoodlums to attack the operatives in a bid to escape arrest.
During the ensuing violent confrontation, Mujahid sustained severe head injuries and despite being rushed immediately to the Bonny Island General Hospital for emergency medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), 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,” he said.
