Yenagoa was thrown into chaos on Thursday as police officers and operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) clashed over the attempted arrest of a suspected drug dealer.
The incident occurred at the Ekeki Police Division in Bayelsa State, disrupting the area and sparking fear among residents. Eyewitnesses described the confrontation as tense, with gunshots fired, leaving many residents fleeing in panic.
According to reports, NDLEA operatives arrived at the Ekeki area on a mission to apprehend a woman accused of dealing in illicit drugs. The agency had followed standard procedures by documenting their operation at the local police division before proceeding with the arrest.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when police officers from the Ekeki Division reportedly obstructed the NDLEA team.
A resident, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the altercation began when the police intervened to stop the NDLEA operatives from taking the suspect into custody.
“The police and NDLEA operatives were arguing, and then things escalated quickly. Before we knew it, we heard gunshots,” the resident recounted.
Two NDLEA operational vehicles were damaged in the clash, with their tyres deflated by gunfire. The confrontation caused gridlock in the area and disrupted nearby businesses.
Witnesses suggested that the suspect, identified as the wife of a police officer, might have been under police protection, which led to the resistance.
Speaking on the incident, NDLEA spokesperson Mr. Howells Obah maintained that the agency followed due process in the operation.
“Our team carried out the raid as planned and even made the necessary entry at the police station before proceeding. However, we encountered resistance from the police, who shot at our vehicles to prevent us from taking the suspect,” Obah explained.
He added that the agency was working to calm the situation and ensure it did not escalate further.
“We are handling the matter and will do everything within our power to maintain order,” he assured.
When contacted, the Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed the incident but stated that he was still gathering details.
“I am on my way to the scene to find out what happened. For now, I cannot provide any further information,” Mohammed said.
The clash has left residents of Ekeki worried about their safety, as the sound of gunfire in a typically quiet area was both alarming and unexpected. Many businesses closed early, while commuters and passersby sought shelter to avoid being caught in the conflict.
A trader in the area lamented the situation, saying, “We don’t understand why two government agencies are fighting among themselves. It is scary for us because we are the ones affected.”
The NDLEA has been actively combating drug-related crimes across Nigeria, with several high-profile arrests and seizures in recent years. The agency’s operations often involve collaboration with other security agencies, including the police, but incidents like the Ekeki clash highlight challenges in inter-agency cooperation.
In 2023, the NDLEA recorded significant successes in tackling drug trafficking, but the agency has also faced criticism over operational clashes with other security bodies. Thursday’s incident raises questions about the working relationship between the NDLEA and the police, particularly in cases involving suspects with possible links to law enforcement personnel.
Thursday’s clash at the Ekeki Police Division serves as a reminder of the need for better coordination between law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. While both the NDLEA and the police are tasked with maintaining law and order, incidents like this undermine public trust and create unnecessary tension.
