Panic as police, NDLEA clash in Bayelsa

 Chaos Erupts as Police, NDLEA Clash in Yenagoa

Panic gripped residents of Ekeki, Yenagoa, on Thursday following a violent altercation between officers of the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Reports indicate that NDLEA operatives had arrived in the area to apprehend a woman suspected of drug peddling. Prior to the operation, they had made an official entry in the police records at the Ekeki Police Division.

However, as they attempted to arrest the suspect, police officers from the division obstructed the NDLEA operatives, leading to a heated confrontation.

Gunshots Cause Panic

Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots during the clash, creating chaos in the area.

“I was at the Bayelsa Newspaper Corporation when I suddenly heard about six gunshots. Out of curiosity, I rushed to the Ekeki Police Division and witnessed a standoff between the police and NDLEA officers,” one witness recounted.

It was further revealed that police officers allegedly fired at two NDLEA operational vehicles, seemingly to prevent them from taking the suspect away.

Allegations of Police Complicity

Some residents have speculated that the police may have been shielding the drug suspect, allowing her to operate within the vicinity of the police station.

“The way the police obstructed the arrest makes people suspect they are protecting the woman to continue her drug business in the area,” another eyewitness claimed.

Authorities React

When contacted, NDLEA spokesperson, Howells Oba, confirmed that the agency had followed standard procedure by making an entry at the police station before carrying out their operation.

“Our officers were on an operation behind the Ekeki Police Division, and an official entry was made at the station,” Oba stated.

On the reported gunfire, he added:

“Two of our vehicles were shot, and we are currently assessing the situation. A formal statement will be issued once we resolve the matter.”

Meanwhile, Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, stated that he was heading to the scene to investigate the situation.

“I am on my way there now to find out exactly what happened,” he said.

The incident has sparked concerns about inter-agency conflicts and alleged police corruption, raising questions about law enforcement integrity in the fight against drug-related crimes.