A violent standoff erupted between officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Ekeki Police Division in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, during an attempt to arrest a suspected drug dealer, allegedly the wife of a police officer.
The clash caused widespread panic, with gunfire exchanged, leaving NDLEA vehicles damaged.
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Tensions flared in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday when operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) clashed with police officers from the Ekeki Police Division. The confrontation began when the NDLEA attempted to apprehend a woman accused of drug trafficking, reportedly the wife of a police officer.
The NDLEA team reportedly followed due protocol by registering their operation at the Ekeki Police Division before proceeding to the suspect’s location. However, during the operation, police officers allegedly intervened, obstructing the arrest and leading to a heated altercation between the two agencies.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots, which created chaos and sent residents and passersby scrambling for safety. Two NDLEA vehicles were reportedly damaged during the standoff, with their tyres deflated by gunfire.
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Agency Responses
NDLEA Spokesperson Mr. Howells Obah confirmed the incident, stating, “Our operatives adhered to standard procedures and documented their presence at the police division before proceeding with the operation.
Unfortunately, during the arrest attempt, our vehicles were shot at, and we are working to recover them while ensuring the situation does not escalate further.”
Bayelsa Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, acknowledged the altercation and stated, “I am on my way to the scene to ascertain the details of what transpired.”
Community Reactions
The clash created panic in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, with residents describing the scene as chaotic. A local witness noted, “People were running in every direction, and the gunshots made the atmosphere tense and dangerous.”
The incident raises concerns about inter-agency collaboration and the challenges security agencies face in maintaining professionalism during operations. It also highlights the sensitive nature of tackling drug-related crimes in Nigeria.
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