Bayelsa: Panic as Police, NDLEA Clash During Attempt to Arrest Female Drug Suspect

A violent confrontation between officers of the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday caused panic at the Ekeki Police Division in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The clash reportedly began when NDLEA operatives arrived in the area to arrest a woman suspected of drug peddling. According to sources, they had made an official entry in the police records before proceeding with their assignment. However, as they attempted to carry out the arrest, policemen from the Ekeki Division allegedly obstructed them, leading to a heated altercation.

Eyewitnesses reported that the situation quickly escalated, with multiple gunshots fired, creating fear among residents. One witness, who was near the Bayelsa Newspaper Corporation, recounted hearing about six shots and rushing to the scene, where he saw officers from both agencies in a standoff.

During the confrontation, two NDLEA operational vehicles were reportedly shot at by the police, seemingly in an attempt to prevent the operatives from taking the suspect into custody. The incident has fueled speculation that some police officers might have been shielding the suspect and enabling her drug-related activities near the station.

NDLEA spokesperson, Howells Oba, confirmed the incident, stating that their team had followed protocol by making an entry at the police station before proceeding with the operation. He also acknowledged that two NDLEA vehicles had been shot at and assured that efforts were underway to resolve the matter and restore peace.

Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, when contacted, said he was on his way to the scene to gather information on what transpired.