A deadly confrontation broke out in Bonny Island, Rivers State, after suspected hoodlums attacked operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a major raid on a known drug hideout, leading to the death of one officer.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement released on Tuesday, Femi Babafemi, spokesperson of the agency, said the operation was carried out on February 6, 2026, at the Ama Hausa area of Bonny Island, following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance on the criminal network operating in the area.
The raid resulted in the arrest of six suspects, including the alleged gang leader, Genesis George Benson. Others arrested are ThankGod Okon, Shamsudden Isah, Muhammed Musa, Adamu Muhammed, and Muhammed Yusuf.
The agency said a large cache of hard drugs was seized from the enclave, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, and large quantities of tramadol, believed to have been prepared for widespread distribution across parts of Rivers State and neighboring communities.
According to the statement, the situation turned violent when the suspected gang leader, Genesis George Benson, called in armed reinforcements in an attempt to prevent his arrest and recover the seized drugs.
“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,” the statement reads.
During the violent clash, Chief Narcotic Agent Sadia Bako Mujahid sustained serious head injuries after being struck by the attackers. “During the ensuing violent confrontation, a dedicated officer, Chief Narcotic Agent Sadia 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.”
Security sources disclosed that the attackers used dangerous weapons and objects during the assault, forcing operatives to call for backup before eventually overpowering the hoodlums and restoring order. The agency confirmed that all the suspects involved in the attack were later subdued, arrested, and taken into custody for further investigation and prosecution.
Reacting to the incident, Buba Marwa, chairman of the NDLEA, praised the bravery of the operatives and described the fallen officer as a committed and fearless personnel who paid the supreme price in the service of the nation. He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, his colleagues, and the Rivers State command of the agency.
“I salute the gallantry of our men who refused to be intimidated by these criminal elements,” he said.
“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.”
“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.”
NDLEA also assured the public that security has been reinforced in the area, while investigations continue to uncover other members of the drug syndicate and their supply networks.
