Armed hoodlums attacked and killed an official of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, when operatives of the Agency raided a notorious drug enclave, known as Ama Hausa, in Bonny Island, Rivers State.

However, six suspects were arrested and a significant cache of illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, and tramadol was recovered.

The Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, in a Statement in Abuja on Tuesday, indicated that an NDLEA personnel, Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid, lost his life as a result of severe head injuries sustained when the drug dealers mobilized armed hoodlums to attack operatives during the raid.

According to Babafemi, "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 identified other suspects arrested during the strategic operation at the Ama Hausa area of Bonny Island, a well-known hub for criminal activities, to include: ThankGod Okon; Shamsudden Isah; Muhammed Musa; Adamu Muhammed; and Muhammed Yusuf.

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 said.

Marwa described Bako Mujahid 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,” he said.

“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”, the NDLEA boss warned.