NDLEA officer killed as operatives arrest six drug suspects
A deadly confrontation between anti-narcotics officers and armed criminals in Rivers State has left one elite officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) dead and six suspected drug traffickers in custody following a raid on a notorious drug enclave on Bonny Island. The violent clash, which erupted during the arrest operation, underscores the dangers Nigeria’s anti-drug forces face in cracking down on organised criminal networks linked to illicit drug distribution throughout the Niger Delta. 
The operation, executed on Friday, February 6, 2026, targeted the Ama Hausa area of Bonny Island — widely described by security sources and community residents as a long-standing hub for drug trafficking and related crimes. Despite strong intelligence and careful planning, the operation turned chaotic when the suspects allegedly mobilised armed hoodlums to resist arrest, precipitating a violent confrontation that resulted in the death of Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid, one of the NDLEA officers. 
The Raid and Fatal Clash
According to an official statement by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the anti-narcotics operatives entered the designated area based on credible intelligence that multiple drug kingpins were using the community as a hideout and distribution point. In addition to his team’s mandate to arrest hardened suspects, officers were prepared to seize significant quantities of illicit substances. 
During the engagement, the group believed to be led by gang leader Genesis George Benson allegedly called in armed associates to intimidate and physically confront the agents. The resulting clash was fierce and unanticipated, forcing operatives into a defensive posture. It was in this melee that Chief Narcotic Agent Mujahid sustained severe head injuries, according to the NDLEA statement. Efforts to save him at Bonny Island General Hospital were unsuccessful, and he later succumbed to his wounds. 
Despite the violent resistance, officers managed to subdue the suspects and secure all six targets of the original raid. The detained suspects are identified as Genesis George Benson, ThankGod Okon, Shamsudden Isah, Muhammed Musa, Adamu Muhammed and Muhammed Yusuf. Babafemi confirmed that narcotics including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk and tramadol were recovered from the scene before and during the arrest. 
https://ogelenews.ng/ndlea-officer-killed
NDLEA Mourns, Condemns Attack
In response to the tragedy, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the fallen officer. In remarks released on Tuesday, Marwa praised the bravery and resolve of his operatives, saying they stood their ground even after facing armed hostility. 
“We salute the gallantry of our men who refused to be intimidated by these criminal elements,” Marwa said. “Their sacrifice will not be in vain.” He described Chief Narcotic Agent Mujahid as “a disciplined and courageous officer who paid the ultimate price in the service of his fatherland.” 
The NDLEA boss issued strong words of warning to criminal gangs, asserting that “any attack on our officers is an attack on the state, and it will not go without dire consequences.” He reiterated the agency’s commitment to its mission to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs and pledged that enforcement efforts would be intensified, not diminished by the officer’s death. 
Context of Drug Enforcement in Rivers
Rivers State, a key commercial and industrial centre in southern Nigeria, has seen repeated confrontations between law enforcement and organised crime operatives over the past year. In October 2025, NDLEA officers in Port Harcourt repelled attempts by suspected hoodlums trying to free a detained drug kingpin, emphasising the volatile security environment surrounding high-profile narcotics arrests in the region. 
These incidents highlight the persistent threat posed by drug trafficking syndicates and their willingness to weaponise associates and local criminal networks to resist arrest and escape justice. Security analysts say that such networks often overlap with other forms of organised crime, complicating efforts by agencies such as the NDLEA to dismantle them without broader support from federal security forces and local communities. 
The Cost of Fighting Drug Trafficking
The death of an NDLEA officer sharply underscores the stakes involved in confronting drug distribution networks. Nigeria has battled a rising trend of drug consumption and trafficking, exacerbated by the proliferation of opioids, stimulants and other psychoactive substances. The NDLEA’s strategic raids are part of a broader effort to disrupt supply chains and send a clear message to traffickers that their activities will not go unchecked. 
Drug enforcement in Nigeria often requires high-risk operations, particularly in regions where traffickers have entrenched infrastructure or exploit densely populated communities. The use of armed resistance and accomplice networks by suspects illustrates the evolving nature of organised drug crime, which frequently intersects with violent tendencies and other criminal enterprises. 
Reactions and Next Steps
Following the arrest of the six suspects, legal authorities in Rivers State are expected to prosecute the individuals on charges related to drug trafficking and murder of a law enforcement agent. The NDLEA has also hinted at deeper investigations into the wider network associated with the gang, suggesting that the operation could trigger further enforcement actions. 
Public responses to the raid have been mixed. Some community leaders applauded the NDLEA’s efforts to tackle dangerous drug syndicates, emphasising the broader social costs of narcotics abuse. Others called on federal and state security agencies to provide greater protection for operatives engaged in high-risk missions, including enhanced tactical support and intelligence sharing. 
Meanwhile, families and colleagues mourn the loss of Chief Narcotic Agent Mujahid, lauding his dedication and sacrifices. His death has reignited calls from civil society organisations for more robust support structures for frontline law enforcement personnel who risk their lives confronting drug cartels. 
Why This Matters
The deadly raid and the killing of an NDLEA officer in Rivers State reflect broader challenges in Nigeria’s battle against drug trafficking and organised crime. As enforcement agents move to disrupt entrenched criminal networks, they face not only the logistical difficulties of tracking traffickers but also the very real risk of violent backlash. The government’s response and future strategies will likely influence the way Nigeria approaches anti-narcotics operations and protects its officers tasked with enforcing the law. 
NDLEA officer killed as operatives arrest six drug suspects
