Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) clashed on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, during an operation to arrest a suspected female drug peddler.
The altercation occurred near the Ekeki Police Division and escalated into a confrontation that reportedly involved the firing of several gunshots, causing panic among residents.
According to eyewitness accounts, NDLEA operatives had visited the area to apprehend the suspect, following due protocol by making an official entry in the police station’s records.
However, their operation was obstructed by policemen from the Ekeki Police Division, leading to a heated confrontation.
READ ALSO: NDLEA Officer Stabbed During Arrest Of Suspected Drug Dealers In Kano
“I heard about six gunshots while I was at the Bayelsa Newspaper Corporation. When I went to investigate, I saw a face-off between the police and NDLEA officials,” an eyewitness told Punch.
Reports indicate that during the clash, policemen allegedly shot at two NDLEA vehicles to prevent the agency from taking the suspect into custody.
This raised suspicions among locals that the police might be providing protection for the suspect’s alleged drug operations near the police station.
“The incident has made people suspect that the police are allegedly shielding the woman and supporting her drug business in the area,” the eyewitness added.
NDLEA spokesperson Mr. Howells Oba confirmed the incident and disclosed that their team followed due process before the operation.
“Our men went for an operation behind the Ekeki Police Division and made an official entry at the station,” he stated.
READ ALSO: NDLEA Arrests Drug Kingpin, Nollywood Filmmaker Over Drug Shipments in Lagos
On the damage to their vehicles, Oba added, “They shot two of our vehicles, and we are working on how to take them out.” He noted that the agency was prioritizing peace and would issue a formal statement on the matter.
Meanwhile, Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Musa Mohammed, revealed that he was on his way to the scene to gather firsthand information. “I am going there now to find out what happened,” he told reporters.
The clash has sparked widespread concern among residents of the Ekeki area, with many questioning the alleged involvement of police officers in shielding criminal activities.
Observers are calling for a thorough investigation into the incident to establish accountability and ensure that law enforcement agencies work collaboratively in the fight against crime.
As tensions remain high, both the NDLEA and the Nigeria Police have promised to address the matter and restore order in the community.