By IBIRONKE ARIYO

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have raided a notorious drug enclave known as Ama Hausa in Bonny Island, Rivers, and arrested six suspects.

This is contained in a statement by the NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Babafemi said that a significant cache of illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, and tramadol were recovered during the raid.

He said that an NDLEA personnel, Chief Narcotic Agent (CNA) Sadiq Mujahid, however lost his life as a result of severe head injuries sustained during the operation.

He explained that the late personnel sustained the injuries that later led to his death, when the drug dealers mobilised armed hoodlums to attack operatives during the raid.

“Notwithstanding the violent attack, the NDLEA operatives were able to apprehend all six targets of the raid including the gang leader, who is responsible for the death of the NDLEA operative.

“The operation took a tragic turn when one of the suspects, mobilised a group of armed hoodlums to attack the operatives in a bid to escape arrest.

“During the ensuing violent confrontation, a dedicated officer, CNA Mujahid, sustained severe head injuries.

“In spite of being rushed immediately to the Bonny Island General Hospital for emergency medical attention, Mujahid unfortunately succumbed to his injuries,” he said.

He quoted the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa as commending the bravery and resilience of the officers who stood their ground in spite of the brutal attack, in his reaction to the development.

“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,” he said.

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 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,” the NDLEA boss said. (Text, excluding headline: NAN)

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