A clash between operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and policemen at the Ekeki Police Division in Yenagoa has caused pandemonium in the area. The incident occurred when NDLEA operatives attempted to arrest a woman suspected of being a drug peddler.
According to eyewitnesses, the NDLEA operatives had made an entry in the police records before carrying out their assignment. However, policemen from the Ekeki Police Division obstructed the NDLEA operatives, leading to a confrontation. Several gunshots were fired during the clash, causing residents to flee in fear.
The NDLEA operatives were reportedly prevented from taking the suspect away by policemen, who deflated the tyres of two NDLEA vehicles. NDLEA spokesman, Howells Obah, confirmed that the operatives had complied with standard operational procedure in carrying out the raid.
Obah stated that the suspect was found to be the wife of a policeman and had enjoyed protection. He added that the NDLEA was making efforts to prevent the situation from escalating further.
The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the incident, with spokesman Musa Mohammed stating that he was investigating the matter. “I am going there now to find out what happened,” Mohammed said.
The clash between the NDLEA and police has raised concerns about the relationship between law enforcement agencies in the country. The incident is also a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in tackling crime and corruption.
The NDLEA has been at the forefront of the fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria. The agency has made several arrests and seizures in recent months, and has vowed to continue its efforts to rid the country of illicit drugs.
