In the evening of Friday, April 14, 2023, NDLEA operatives from Rivers State Command carried out a raid on a hangout/drinking joint located at Odunze street, Mile 3 Diobu, Port Harcourt, known for illicit drug activities. The operatives, disguised as civilians, had arrested a suspected drug dealer named Izuu Isuofia, popularly known as ’50’, with a large quantity of Cannabis Sativa.

However, the situation turned violent when the suspect resisted arrest and raised an alarm, attracting over 100 hoodlums armed with bottles and other dangerous weapons. The hoodlums attacked the NDLEA team, pelting stones and bottles, and eventually aided the escape of the suspect ’50’, who was already handcuffed, before the arrival of backup team and patrol van. Some of the NDLEA operatives sustained injuries during the attack.

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The hoodlums went on a rampage and robbed passersby before fleeing the scene with the escaped suspect and the drugs that were seized alongside him. The NDLEA has confirmed the attack on its personnel and the escape of the suspect with the seized drugs.

The spokesperson for NDLEA Rivers State Command, Emmanuel Ogbumgbada, in a statement to the press, condemned the mob attack on the operatives and confirmed that the suspect ’50’ was arrested with a large quantity of cannabis sativa. The statement also mentioned that the state Commander, Ahmed Mamuda, has ordered the re-arrest of the fugitive and his gang members, and has instructed the operatives to deploy all necessary means to ensure that the suspect and his cohorts are arrested and brought to justice.

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The incident caused serious traffic on IKwerre Road axis, with businesses and people passing through the area fleeing due to the shooting. The NDLEA is determined to apprehend the fugitive and his accomplices, and has vowed to continue its efforts in combating illicit drug activities in the area, despite the attack on its personnel.