A raid by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at a notorious drug enclave known as Ama Hausa in Bonny Island, Rivers State, has led to the death of the Agency’s personnel, Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid.
During the operation on Friday, February 6, 2025, NDLEA operatives arrested six suspects and recovered a significant cache of illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, and tramadol. The suspects arrested include the gang leader, Genesis George Benson, alongside ThankGod Okon, Shamsudden Isah, Muhammed Musa, Adamu Muhammed, and Muhammed Yusuf.
According to a statement made available to ThelensNG by the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Mujahid lost his life after sustaining severe head injuries when the drug dealers mobilised armed hoodlums to attack the 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 is responsible for the death of the NDLEA operative,” Babafemi stated.
He disclosed that the operation took a tragic turn when Benson mobilised a group of armed hoodlums to attack the operatives in a bid to evade 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,” the spokesperson added.
Reacting to the incident, 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 assured.
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.”
“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,” he warned.
