Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have been attacked by a mob during a drug enforcement operation in the Lemna area of Cross River State, leading to the escape of initial suspects and the arrest of three alleged instigators.
The incident occurred on Monday, October 26, 2026, at about 2 p.m., when an NDLEA team led by the Assistant Commander of Narcotics in Cross River State, Kabiru Abdullahi, was conducting a motorised patrol along the state’s northwestern axis.
Speaking with journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, Abdullahi said the trouble began when the operatives stopped a motorcycle conveying three persons, comprising one man and two women, for a routine search.
According to him, the officers identified themselves and proceeded to search the suspects’ bags despite initial resistance. During the exercise, they allegedly recovered a whitish substance suspected to be methamphetamine, popularly known as Ice.
Abdullahi explained that shortly after the discovery, three other individuals arrived at the scene, challenged the officers and allegedly incited members of the public against the enforcement team.
He said the situation escalated as the crowd mobilised with sticks, stones and pieces of wood, attacking and assaulting the operatives while attempting to prevent them from taking the suspects away.
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The NDLEA commander disclosed that some officers were slapped and dragged by members of the mob, while one operative sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The crowd also reportedly freed the individuals initially apprehended by the team.
Abdullahi said the officers narrowly escaped being lynched after reinforcements arrived from the state command.
He added that the three individuals allegedly responsible for instigating the attack were subsequently arrested.
The NDLEA also recovered two grammes of suspected methamphetamine, popularly known as Ice, and one gramme of a synthetic cannabinoid commonly called Colorado, which were retained as exhibits.
The agency said investigations into the incident were ongoing and that the arrested suspects would be charged in court.
The attack highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers during anti-drug operations and the challenges authorities encounter in enforcing drug laws at the community level.
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