Port Harcourt, Rivers State — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Rivers State Command has confirmed that its operatives were compelled to discharge warning shots this week to successfully repel a violent assault during the apprehension of suspected narcotics dealers in a volatile district of Port Harcourt, Africa Update reports.
The clarification addresses a dramatic incident which unfolded at Oduneze Lane, Mile 3, Diobu, on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, where drug enforcement personnel executed an intelligence-led operation, resulting in a significant seizure and subsequent clash.
According to a formal statement released by the Command’s Public Affairs Office, the operation commenced at approximately 4:30 pm, leading to the swift arrest of three individuals, including a suspect identified as Okpe, who was found in possession of a substantial 12 kilograms of suspected cannabis sativa.
However, the routine apprehension quickly escalated into a high-stakes confrontation. As the operatives sought to secure the detainees and the evidence, a formidable throng of hoodlums descended upon the scene. The agency reported that the officers were assailed by volleys of stones, bottles, and other projectiles in a brazen attempt to obstruct justice and secure the release of the suspects.
To effectively disperse the hostile crowd and ensure the safety of both the detainees and the exhibit, the seasoned officers were obliged to fire warning shots into the air.
Despite the sudden and aggressive intervention, the Command praised the discipline and effectiveness of its personnel. Crucially, the suspects were successfully whisked away from the hostile environment, and the agency confirmed that none of its officers sustained injuries, nor did the operational vehicle suffer any damage.
CN Ahmed Mamuda, the State Commander, commended the bravery and professionalism of the operatives, noting that their actions upheld the agency’s commitment to enforcement even when faced with immediate peril.
In a firm message to the citizenry, Commander Mamuda assured the public that the personnel would continue to discharge their duties with unwavering resolve, free from fear or intimidation, in the collective effort to rid society of illicit narcotics.
The three suspects are currently in custody and undergoing intensive investigation. The Command has promised to provide further details on the incident and the detainees in due course.
Source: CSN Ugo Olisaemeka-Iyi, PSO Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Rivers State Command
