Hoodlums have attacked operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency at Odunze lane, Mile 3 axis of Diobu in Port Harcourt, and freed an arrested suspect, Izuu Isuofia.
Three officials of the NDLEA, who disguised as civilians had reportedly gone for an operation in the area on Friday, April 14.
The NDLEA operatives arrested a suspected drug dealer in the area popularly known as ’50’ and were taking to a waiting patrol van stationed at a nearby street along IKwerre Road Iheoma street in Mile 3 Diobu when hoodlums attacked the officials.
It was gathered that the hoodlums armed with different weapons started pelting stones and bottles at the NDLEA team, leaving some of the officers with injuries.
The NDLEA confirmed the attack on its personnel, saying the suspect, ‘50’ was arrested with large quantities of cannabis sativa.
The NDLEA spokesman, Rivers State Command, Emmanuel Ogbumgbada in a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, said the hoodlums also carted away the drugs seized alongside the suspect.
The statement titled ‘‘Mob attack on operatives of NDLEA Rivers State Command’, however, said the state Commander had ordered the re-arrest of the fugitive and his gang members.
The statement read, “In the evening of Friday, April 14, 2023, operatives of NDLEA Rivers state command raided a hangout/drinking joint around Odunze street, mile 3 Diobu, Port Harcourt and a suspected drug dealer named Izuu Isuofia popularly called ’50’ was apprehended with a large quantity of Cannabis Sativa.
“While trying to move the suspect to the patrol van, he raised alarm and was resisting arrest which resulted in a scuffle, and within minutes, hoodlums in their large numbers attacked our officers with bottles and stones, and managed to free the already handcuffed suspect as well as carting away his exhibit before the arrival of our back-up team.
“The state Commander, Ahmed Mamuda has tasked operatives of the Command to deploy all necessary arsenals to ensure that the suspect and his cohorts are arrested and brought to justice.”
