Tragedy struck Kazaure town in Jigawa State on Saturday as two young men drowned while trying to escape arrest during a raid by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. when NDLEA officers stormed a suspected drug hideout in Ganguli, a popular area within Kazaure. The operation was part of ongoing efforts by the agency to clamp down on illegal drug activities in the state.
Eyewitnesses said panic broke out among those present at the scene as the operatives arrived. In the chaos, two men attempted to flee by jumping into a nearby dam in a bid to evade arrest. Sadly, both drowned.
The victims were identified as Garzali Garba, 22, from Tsohon Kafib Quarters, and Usama Ahmed, 21, from Kanti Quarters, both residents of Kazaure.
Locals who witnessed the event said that the dam was deep and dangerous, especially during the rainy season, when water levels rise significantly.
“Everybody was running when NDLEA arrived. The boys thought they could swim across the dam and escape, but they never made it out,” said a resident who preferred to remain anonymous.
Following the incident, there was concern that the deaths could spark tension or protest among residents, especially youths in the area.
To forestall any breakdown of law and order, additional security was deployed. Both the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) increased their presence in the town.
The NDLEA office in Kazaure was also reinforced with security to prevent any possible attack or mob action.
Community leaders and stakeholders were immediately engaged by local authorities to calm tempers and ensure peace. According to sources, traditional rulers and religious leaders played a key role in urging residents to remain calm and avoid violence.
As of the time of filing this report, the NDLEA had not issued an official statement on the matter. However, sources within the agency said an internal investigation would be conducted to understand what happened and whether procedures were properly followed during the raid.
The Jigawa State Police Command also confirmed the incident and assured the public that all necessary steps were being taken to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.
Jigawa State, like many parts of northern Nigeria, has been battling rising drug abuse among youth. The NDLEA has recently intensified its operations in the region, targeting known drug joints and dealers.
While the agency has recorded some successes, concerns remain about how some operations are carried out and the risks posed to the public during such raids.
Saturday’s tragedy has once again raised questions about the safety of law enforcement methods and the desperate lengths individuals may go to escape arrest.
Meanwhile, the families of the deceased have been thrown into mourning, with residents calling for a balanced approach to drug control that ensures both justice and the protection of human lives.
