NDLEA Officer killed in Bonny Island drug raid

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is mourning the loss of a dedicated operative, Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid, who was killed during a bloody confrontation with drug traffickers on Bonny Island, Rivers State.

The tragedy occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026, during a high-stakes raid on a notorious criminal enclave known as Ama Hausa.

While the operation successfully resulted in the arrest of six major suspects and the seizure of a massive cache of narcotics, it came at the highest possible cost to the agency.

The raid took a violent turn when the primary target and alleged gang leader, Genesis George Benson, mobilized a group of armed hoodlums to launch a counter-attack against the officers.

In the ensuing chaos, Mujahid sustained severe head injuries as he and his colleagues fought to maintain control of the scene and prevent the suspects from escaping.

Despite the brutal assault, the NDLEA team refused to retreat, successfully overpowering the gunmen and securing all six targets. Mujahid was rushed to the Bonny Island General Hospital, but he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries, paying the ultimate price in the line of duty.

Reacting to the loss on Tuesday, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), paid a somber tribute to the fallen officer.

Marwa described Mujahid as a disciplined and courageous patriot whose gallantry ensured that the "merchants of death" did not evade justice.

"I salute the gallantry of our men who refused to be intimidated by these criminal elements," Marwa stated. "Even after the cowardly attack on Mujahid, our operatives ensured that the assailants were overpowered and arrested. His sacrifice will not be in vain."

The operation, though marred by tragedy, effectively dismantled a significant distribution hub. Alongside the gang leader Benson, the agency arrested five other suspects: ThankGod Okon, Shamsudden Isah, Muhammed Musa, Adamu Muhammed, and Muhammed Yusuf.

The recovered cache of illicit substances included Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine, Tramadol and Skunk (Cannabis).

The NDLEA boss issued a blistering warning to drug cartels, stating that any attack on agency personnel is considered an attack on the state and will carry dire consequences.

While the Rivers State Command grieves the loss of their colleague, Marwa emphasized that the agency remains undeterred.

"We will continue to take the fight to the enclaves of these merchants of death," the NDLEA boss warned, reaffirming that the agency’s mission to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs would only intensify following this ultimate sacrifice.