.. Following NDLEA officer’s death

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Rivers State has called for a stronger, community-driven crackdown on illicit drugs in Bonny Local Government Area following the killing of an operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The call was made during a condolence visit by the PCRC to the NDLEA Bonny Area Command over the death of Chief Narcotic Agent, Sadiq Bako Mujahid, who was killed in February during a raid on a notorious drug enclave known as “G-unit Ama Hausa.”

The NDLEA had earlier disclosed through its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, that despite the fatal attack by armed hoodlums, operatives arrested six suspects and recovered a significant cache of illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin and skunk, during the operation.

Speaking during the visit, the Rivers State Chairman of PCRC, Dr Voke Emore, condemned the attack on NDLEA personnel, describing it as an assault on law enforcement officers carrying out legitimate duties.

“We are here to express our condolence to the NDLEA Bonny Area Command and the agency at large,” Emore said. “We have also taken steps to sensitise our members in Bonny to support the agency in the fight against drug abuse.”
He urged the Bonny Local Government Council, traditional rulers, youth groups and residents to actively support NDLEA operations, stressing that community involvement remains critical to winning the war against illicit drugs.

“There must be community participation for the war against drug abuse to make meaningful impact,” he said.

Emore further linked the prevalence of hard drugs to rising incidents of violent crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, murder and sexual violence.
“Findings have shown a strong nexus between the intake of illicit drugs and violent crimes. If drug abuse is tackled decisively in Bonny, the rate of these crimes will reduce significantly,” he added.

The PCRC chairman also called on the Bonny Local Government leadership to take over the “G-unit Ama Hausa” area to prevent drug dealers from regrouping and resuming operations.

As part of the visit, Emore also stopped at the PCRC Bonny Division during its monthly meeting, accompanied by the State/Corporate Coordinator, Amb. Dcn. Donald Osifoh.

The delegation was received by the Divisional Crime Officer, SP Collins Obinna, who represented the Divisional Police Officer, and the Deputy Secretary of PCRC Bonny Division, Boma Gabriel Brown.

The PCRC reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration between security agencies and communities as part of efforts to curb drug abuse and related crimes in Rivers State.