Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) clashed in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday, 23rd January 2025, following a confrontation over the arrest of a suspected female drug dealer.
The incident took place at the Ekeki Police Station when NDLEA officers attempted to apprehend the woman. According to reports in Punch, the NDLEA had even recorded their intention to carry out the operation at the police station. However, police officers intervened, leading to an altercation.
Gunfire erupted during the confrontation, causing panic among local residents.
“As I was at the Bayelsa Newspaper Corporation, I heard some shots, about six shots, and decided to investigate. When I arrived at the Ekeki Police Station, I witnessed a confrontation between the police and NDLEA officers,” an eyewitness told Punch.
Two NDLEA operational vehicles were reportedly shot at by the police, allegedly to prevent the agency from taking the suspect into custody.
The eyewitness expressed suspicion that the police might be providing cover for the drug dealer’s activities.
“The incident has led people to suspect that the police are allegedly providing some form of support for the woman to conduct drug business in the area,” he added.
NDLEA spokesperson, Mr Howells Oba, confirmed the incident, stating that their officers had recorded their intention to carry out the operation at the police station.
Regarding the shooting, Oba said, “They shot at two of our vehicles, and we are trying to determine how to remove them.” He further stated that the agency would issue a formal statement while working towards resolving the issue and restoring order.
Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Musa Mohammed, stated that he was en route to the scene to gather information about the incident.
