Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled a notorious drug hideout in Ama Hausa, Bonny Island, Rivers State, arresting six suspected drug traffickers and seizing a large haul of hard drugs.
The raid, which targeted one of the island’s most feared criminal enclaves, led to the recovery of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, and large quantities of tramadol.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, Femi Babafemi.
However, the operation was marred by tragedy following a violent counterattack by suspected drug dealers.
An NDLEA officer, Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid, lost his life after sustaining critical head injuries during the confrontation.
The Clash
According to the agency, the suspects attempted to resist arrest when the alleged ringleader, Genesis George Benson, mobilised armed hoodlums to attack the operatives in a desperate bid to escape. Despite the ambush, NDLEA officers stood their ground and successfully apprehended all six suspects.
Those arrested during the operation, which took place on Friday, February 6, 2026, include Genesis George Benson, identified as the gang leader, alongside ThankGod Okon, Shamsudden Isah, Muhammed Musa, Adamu Muhammed, and Muhammed Yusuf.
During the chaos that followed the attack, Mujahid sustained severe head injuries and was immediately rushed to Bonny Island General Hospital. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to save his life.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the courage and professionalism of the operatives involved in the raid.
“I commend the exceptional bravery of our officers who refused to retreat in the face of violent resistance,” Marwa said. “Even after the fatal attack on one of their own, they subdued the criminals, made arrests, and recovered the illicit drugs. Such dedication will not be forgotten.”
Marwa described the fallen officer as a disciplined and gallant personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. He extended condolences to Mujahid’s family, colleagues, and the NDLEA Rivers State Command.
He also issued a strong warning to criminal elements across the country, stressing that attacks on law enforcement officers would be met with decisive consequences.
“Any assault on our officers is an assault on the Nigerian state,” Marwa stated. “We remain resolute and undeterred in our mission to dismantle drug networks and reclaim communities from the grip of drug traffickers.”
