An operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Rivers State has left one officer dead after operatives raided a notorious drug enclave on Bonny Island, arresting six suspects and seizing a large cache of illicit substances.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA said the raid was carried out on Friday, February 6, 2026, in the Ama Hausa area of Bonny Island.
The operation led to the recovery of significant quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, and tramadol.
During the raid, Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid sustained fatal head injuries when the suspects—allegedly led by gang leader Genesis George Benson—mobilised armed hoodlums to violently resist arrest.
Mujahid was rushed to the Bonny Island General Hospital but later died from his injuries.
“An NDLEA personnel, Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid, lost his life as a result of severe head injuries sustained when drug dealers mobilised armed hoodlums to attack operatives during the raid,” the statement said.
Despite the deadly assault, NDLEA operatives successfully overpowered the attackers and arrested all six suspects, including Benson, who is believed to have orchestrated the attack that led to Mujahid’s death.
The other suspects arrested were identified as ThankGod Okon, Shamsudden Isah, Muhammed Musa, Adamu Muhammed, and Muhammed Yusuf.
Reacting to the incident, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the courage and professionalism of the operatives involved.
“I salute the gallantry of our men who refused to be intimidated by these criminal elements,” Marwa said. “Even after the cowardly attack on Mujahid, our operatives ensured the assailants were overpowered, arrested, and their illicit drugs confiscated. His sacrifice will not be in vain.”
Marwa also expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Mujahid as “a disciplined and courageous officer who paid the ultimate price in service to his fatherland.”
He extended condolences to the officer’s family, colleagues, and the NDLEA Rivers State Command.
Warning against future attacks, Marwa said any assault on NDLEA personnel would be treated as an attack on the state itself.
“We remain undeterred in our mission to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs,” he added. “We will continue to take the fight to the enclaves of these merchants of death.”
