Panic As Police, NDLEA Clash Over Suspected Drug Dealer

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and police officers at the Ekeki Police Division in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, clashed on Thursday over the attempted arrest of a suspected drug dealer, causing panic in the area.

According to reports, NDLEA operatives were in the vicinity to apprehend a woman alleged to be a drug peddler. They had made an official entry into police records at the Ekeki Police Division before proceeding with their operation.

Altercation Leads to Gunfire

A resident disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that during the operation, police operatives from the Ekeki Division obstructed the NDLEA team, leading to an altercation. The clash escalated, with gunshots reportedly fired, which frightened residents and disrupted the neighborhood.

Two NDLEA operation vehicles were sighted with deflated tyres, allegedly caused by gunfire from police operatives.

NDLEA Reacts

Bayelsa NDLEA spokesperson Howells Obah confirmed the incident, stating that the agency’s operatives adhered to standard procedures during the raid.

“Our men went for operation behind Ekeki Police Division. Our man made an entry in the police station as required, but we learnt the suspect is a wife of a policeman and enjoyed protection,” Obah said.

He added, “They shot two of our vehicles, and we are trying to see how we can take them out. We are making efforts to keep the situation from escalating further.”

Police Response

Musa Mohammed, the spokesperson for the Bayelsa State Police Command, also confirmed the incident.

He stated, “I am going there now to find out what happened,” without providing further details at the time.