A violent clash between officers of the Nigeria Police and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) erupted at the Ekeki Police Division in Yenagoa on Thursday, leading to widespread panic among local residents.
According to reports, NDLEA operatives were on-site to arrest a woman suspected of drug trafficking and had completed the necessary preliminary documentation at the police station. However, as they proceeded with their operation, police personnel from the Ekeki division intervened, resulting in an altercation.
Eyewitnesses recounted hearing multiple gunshots—approximately six—during the confrontation. One observer, present at the Bayelsa Newspaper Corporation, described the scene as chaotic, noting the visible clash between the police and NDLEA officers.
In the course of the incident, police reportedly fired upon two NDLEA vehicles in an effort to prevent the agency from taking the suspect into custody. This action raised suspicions among onlookers, with some alleging that the police were providing cover for the suspected drug peddler.
The NDLEA spokesperson, Howells Oba, confirmed the operation, stating that their team had followed proper procedures by making an entry at the police station prior to the attempted arrest. He acknowledged that shots were fired at their vehicles and indicated that the agency would issue a formal statement while working to resolve the situation peacefully.
Meanwhile, Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, stated he was en route to the scene to gather more information on the unfolding events.
As the situation develops, residents remain on edge, raising concerns about the implications of such clashes on local law enforcement and community safety.
