The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives demonstrated unwavering gallantry on Friday, securing the arrest of a notorious gang leader despite the tragic loss of one of their own. Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid paid the ultimate price, succumbing to injuries sustained during a brutal mob attack orchestrated by suspects. The agency’s resilience ensured that all six raid targets, including the alleged mastermind Genesis George Benson are now in custody to face justice.
Agency spokesperson Femi Babafemi announced on Tuesday that a high-stakes operation in the Ama Hausa district has led to the arrest of five key suspects. Despite the area’s reputation as a criminal stronghold, operatives successfully took ThankGod Okon, Shamsudden Isah, Muhammed Musa, Adamu Muhammed, and Muhammed Yusuf into custody during the February 6 raid.
However, the operation took a tragic turn when Genesis George Benson, one of the primary suspects, orchestrated a violent ambush by mobilizing armed hoodlums to obstruct his arrest. In the ensuing confrontation, Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid sustained severe head injuries while bravely holding his ground. Although he was rushed to Bonny Island General Hospital for emergency treatment, the dedicated officer tragically succumbed to his injuries
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised the “unyielding gallantry” of the operatives involved in the Bonny Island raid. Despite a targeted ambush that claimed the life of a dedicated officer, Marwa noted that the team refused to retreat. “Our operatives ensured the assailants were overpowered and arrested,” he said, affirming that the agency remains undeterred and that the “sacrifice of Agent Mujahid will not be in vain.”
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) paid tribute to the late Mujahid, hailing him as a paragon of discipline and courage. Offering support to those left behind, Marwa noted: “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his colleagues, and the Rivers State Command.” He emphasized that the officer’s dedication to a drug-free Nigeria would never be forgotten.
“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 warned.
