The Rivers State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrests drug trafficking kingpin, while it organizes sensitization rally with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC)
Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
Hoodlums in solidarity with an arrested drug dealer at Oduneze Lane in Mile 3 Diobu, Port Harcourt at about 4:30pm on Tuesday evening, October’ 28, 2025 attacked officials of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,(NDLEA) who came for the arrest of a suspected drug kingpin.
According to a source the hoodlums launched an attack in a bid to free the suspect identified simply as Okpe
It was gathered that after NDLEA officials from state Command arrested the suspect, he raised alarm calling for help. The officers of the NDLEA were attacked with machetes, stones and bottles. Some of the personnel of the NDLEA was said to have sustained injuries in the process and one of their operational vehicles was damaged by the hoodlums.
The determined officers of the NDLEA succeeded in taking the suspect away despite the attack. He was arrested with large exhibit and presently in the custody of the command.
While the operation was ongoing, business owners at Ikoku and adjoining streets to the Oduneze Lane hurriedly closed their shop while passengers, commuters scampered for safety.
Sometime in April 2023, hoodlums attacked NDLEA officials and freed a suspected drug Kingpin Izuu aka 50 who was arrested and handcuffed at Oduneze Lane .
In a press release by the Command, CSN Ugo Olisaemeka-Iyi, the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) Media and Advocacy, she clarified the incident involving her operatives in Port Harcourt.
According to her, “The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Rivers State Command wishes to clarify reports surrounding the arrest of suspected drug dealers at Oduneze Lane, Mile 3, Diobu axis of Port Harcourt on Tuesday, 28th October, 2025”
“At about 4:30 pm on 28th October, 2025, based on intelligence, operatives of NDLEA Rivers State Command arrested three suspects, including the individual identified as Okpe, with 12 kilograms of suspected cannabis sativa at Odunze Street, Mile 3 Diobu. During the arrest, a group of hoodlums attempted to intervene, throwing stones, bottles, and other objects. To disperse the crowd, the officers fired warning shots into the air and successfully whisked the suspects away without sustaining any injuries. Our vehicle also did not suffer any damage.
“The NDLEA commends the bravery and professionalism of our operatives who ensured the safe custody of the suspects and exhibits.
“The State Commander, CN Ahmed Mamuda wishes to assure the public that our personnel will continue to carry out their duties without fear or intimidation. We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation in our efforts to rid the society of illicit drugs.
“The suspects are currently undergoing investigation and providing us with useful information. Further details on the incident and the suspects will be provided in due course.”
Meanwhile, the Command in collaboration with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has commenced a rally on War Against Drug Abuse season 3 at the Convocation Arena of the University of Port Harcourt, Choba Campus, tagged “Let’s take a stand — together we can make Rivers State drug-free!”
