One Dead, As NDLEA, Others Raid Abraka Community

It Was Not An NDLEA Operation, Says Spokesman

By Daniel Dafe, Akpobomeh Oghenerukevwe

A joint security raid of Abraka community in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alongside military personnel, members of the anti-cult and others, on Wednesday, 26th February, 2025, left one dead and many injured.

The operation, which reportedly aimed to crack down on drug-related activities, has sparked controversy, with allegations of excessive force, injuries, and at least one fatality.

Honorable John Enamuotor, popularly known as Atom and an aide to the state governor on security, recounted the events in an exclusive interview with Oasis Magazine.

According to him, the raid, which began around 3:30p.m., took place at his business premises without prior notice or involvement of the local police division.

“I was at my farm when I received a call that NDLEA officials, military personnel, and anti-cult operatives had stormed my compound. Upon arrival, I was stopped at the gate, dragged from my vehicle, and physically assaulted. Some officers jumped over my fence and invaded my premises,” he stated.

Eyewitness reports suggest that security operatives fired multiple gunshots during the operation, leading to injuries among residents.

Hon. Enamuotor confirmed that one person sustained severe wounds and required medical attention after being stitched at the hospital.

The situation escalated when the raid extended to River Road, where a brothel was also targeted. It was there that a young man, identified as a member of the Okotie family, reportedly lost his life.

Accounts of his death vary. While some claim he suffered a fatal heart failure due to gunfire, others suggest he hit his head on a wall while attempting to flee the scene.

“We went to the station to obtain a medical form for those injured. The community reacted strongly because the manner in which this operation was carried out was questionable. No prior communication was made to my office, despite my role in state security,” Hon. Enamuotor emphasized.

Concerns Over Unregulated Security Operations

Hon. Enamuotor further criticized the lack of coordination between security agencies, particularly the absence of the Abraka Police Division during the raid.

He raised concerns over the anti-cult unit’s role, accusing them of deflating his vehicle’s tyres, using excessive force, and wielding machetes against unarmed civilians.

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“The anti-cult unit, rather than focusing on curbing crime, seems to be operating without proper oversight. They were the ones who slashed my tyres and used sharp objects against a 53-year-old man within my premises,” he alleged.

Additionally, he questioned the effectiveness of current anti-drug efforts, suggesting that some seized narcotics might be reintroduced into circulation rather than being properly destroyed.

Call for Investigations and Reforms

Following the incident, Hon. Enamuotor confirmed that he had reported the case to the police and would be presenting evidence, including a jackknife and ammunition cartridges recovered from the scene.

He stressed the need for a transparent investigation into the conduct of the raid and called on the local government chairman, Hon. Augustine Ogedegbe to look into the role of security outfits operating in Abraka.

“We need a structured approach to security operations. Any raid must be properly documented and coordinated with local law enforcement to prevent unnecessary casualties and destruction. The government must ensure that rogue elements within the system are checkmated,” he stated.

Hon. Enamuotor also advised residents to steer clear of crime and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security.

Meanwhile, when contacted, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), NDLEA, John Kennedy, said the raid was led by the SSA to Governor Oborevwori on Illicit Drugs, Pastor Omasan Mabiaku.

The PRO said the NDLEA was only invited to accompany the team in case there was an arrest of any individual with illicit drugs.

Adding: “It was not an NDLEA operation, the SSA on Illicit Drugs organized the operation that comprised of police, army, Nigeria Hunters and others.”

He continued: “The ND;EA was not even armed during the operation.”

“Call Omasan for proper details of what happened,” he said.

Attempts to speak with Omasan at the time of this report, proved abortive, as he did not pick his calls or return them.

As investigations unfold, the community remains on edge, demanding accountability for the raid and justice for the victims.