Our Operatives Remain Professional, Courageous – NDLEA Asserts; Arrests 3 Suspects Amid Attacks in Port Harcourt

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives will remain professional and courageous in the discharge of their duties and would not bow to any form of intimidation.

This is just as its operatives snatched three suspected drug dealers from their drug dens in Diobu axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State in the face of vicious attacks by residents of the area suspected to be sympathetic to the arrested persons.

State Commander of NDLEA Rivers State Command, Ahmed Mamuda, a Commander of Narcotics (CN), said this on Thursday, October 30, 2025 via a statement signed by the Agency’s Principal Staff Officer (PSO) in-charge of Media and Advocacy, Rivers State Command, Ugo Olisaemeka-Iyi.

CN Mamuda commended “the bravery and professionalism of our operatives who ensured the safe custody of the suspects and exhibits”.

“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 abridged version of the statement tagged: “CLARIFICATION ON RECENT INCIDENT INVOLVING NDLEA OPERATIVES IN PORT HARCOURT” is reproduced below:

“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 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.”

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was established by Decree Number 48 of 1989, which is now an Act of the National Assembly, is a federal law enforcement agency in Nigeria under the Federal Ministry of Justice.

It is charged with the responsibility of enforcing laws against the cultivation, processing, sale, trafficking and use of hard drugs and is empowered to investigate persons suspected to have dealings in drugs and other related matters.

So far, in the pursuit of actualization of its mandate, the NDLEA has established its presence across the spectrum of Nigeria’s international airports, seaports, and border crossings, and also strategically targeting leaders of narcotics and money laundering organizations.