An officer of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has died following a violent confrontation during a drug raid in Bonny Island, Rivers State.

Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid sustained severe head injuries after suspects allegedly mobilised armed hoodlums to resist arrest.

Despite the attack, operatives arrested six suspects and recovered a cache of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk and tramadol.

What Happened in Bonny Island

The raid targeted Ama Hausa, described by the agency as a notorious drug enclave on Bonny Island.

According to the NDLEA, the operation was carried out on Friday, 6 February 2026.

Among those arrested is the alleged gang leader, Genesis George Benson, whom the agency accuses of orchestrating the violent attack that led to Mujahid’s death.

Other suspects named by the agency include ThankGod Okon, Shamsudden Isah, Muhammed Musa, Adamu Muhammed and Muhammed Yusuf.

The NDLEA said the officer was rushed to Bonny Island General Hospital but later died from his injuries.

Marwa Reacts

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the officers involved in the operation.

“I salute the gallantry of our men who refused to be intimidated by these criminal elements. Even after the cowardly attack on Mujahid, our operatives ensured that the assailants were overpowered and arrested, and their illicit substances confiscated. Their sacrifice will not be in vain.”

He described the deceased officer as disciplined and courageous.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his colleagues, and the Rivers State Command.”

Marwa also issued a warning.

“Any attack on our officers is an attack on the state, and it will not go without dire consequences. We remain undeterred in our mission to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs, and we will continue to take the fight to the enclaves of these merchants of death.”

Why It Matters

Bonny Island is a strategic oil and gas hub in Rivers State.

Illicit drug networks have also been linked to youth violence and organised crime across parts of the Niger Delta.

Community leaders in Bonny have previously raised concerns about the impact of drug abuse on young people and local security.

The Bigger Picture: Nigeria’s Drug War

The NDLEA has intensified raids across several states in recent months, targeting known drug corridors and trafficking hubs.

Officials say the agency has recorded increasing seizures of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and pharmaceutical opioids such as tramadol.

However, rights groups have also urged authorities to ensure operations are intelligence-led and that suspects are treated according to due process.

What Happens Next

The six suspects are expected to face investigation and possible prosecution.

Authorities have not yet announced specific charges.

For residents of Bonny Island, the incident raises fresh concerns about security in a community vital to Nigeria’s energy sector.

Mercy Ojedeji, 26, was sentenced to 41 months in prison by a US District Court after pleading guilty to immigration and wire fraud offences.

US District Judge Henry E. Autrey handed down the sentence following Ojedeji’s admission that he submitted fraudulent documents to obtain a US student visa.

Court records show he used counterfeit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a fabricated résumé, and a falsified English language proficiency report.

How the fraud worked

According to prosecutors, the documents helped Ojedeji secure admission into a chemistry PhD programme at the University of Missouri for the Fall 2023 academic session

The admission came with a tuition waiver and stipends worth about $49,000, paid by the institution.

Authorities say Ojedeji failed to attend classes and was dismissed from the programme in January 2024, which led to the termination of his student visa.

Further violations

Despite losing his legal student status, investigators said Ojedeji later used the invalid visa to obtain a US driver’s licence.

That licence was then used to open a bank account, which prosecutors allege became part of a money mule operation involving his girlfriend.

US authorities did not disclose the full details of the alleged financial scheme.

Why it matters

The case highlights growing concerns among US authorities about student visa fraud and the misuse of academic admissions to bypass immigration controls.

Impact on international students

Universities in the US rely heavily on trust-based academic documentation, especially for international admissions.

Cases involving forged credentials can increase scrutiny for future applicants, potentially slowing processing times and raising costs for legitimate students.

What authorities say

US court filings describe the offence as a deliberate and coordinated attempt to defraud both immigration authorities and an academic institution.

Prosecutors said the sentence reflects the seriousness of abusing the student visa system and public funds.

What’s next

Ojedeji will serve his prison term in federal custody before facing possible deportation at the end of his sentence.

US immigration authorities are expected to review his status once the jail term is completed.

The Oyo State Police Command says it is investigating an alleged case of attempted defilement involving a six-year-old girl in Ibadan.

Police said the incident was reported to have occurred in December 2025 while the child was hawking in the Onikeke, Ayegun area of the city.

According to the command, the suspect, identified as 65-year-old Ibrahim Raheem, has been arrested and is currently in custody.

Police said the suspect confessed to indecently abusing the child but denied engaging in carnal knowledge.

Following the report, the victim was taken to hospital for medical examination and has also been placed under socio-psychological care to address trauma linked to the incident.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna psc (+), ordered that the case be transferred to the command’s Gender Desk for what police described as a discreet and professional investigation.

The police said the move was to ensure the case is handled with the sensitivity required for offences involving minors and sexual violence.

Why this matters

Child-rights advocates say cases involving children who hawk on the streets highlight broader concerns around child labour, safety, and vulnerability.

Nigeria’s Child Rights Act criminalises sexual abuse of minors, with severe penalties for offenders, although enforcement and reporting remain major challenges across states.

Police reassurance and public role

The Oyo State Police Command said it remains committed to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence are brought to justice.

Residents were urged to report credible information that could help the police safeguard lives and maintain public safety across the state.

For emergencies, the police advised members of the public to contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre on 615, or the command control room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.

What’s next

Police say investigations are ongoing and the suspect will be charged in court once inquiries are concluded.

Authorities say further updates will be provided as the case progresses.