The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s Sokoto State Command announced the arrest of a drug dealer who was involved in the January assassination of one of its operatives.
Following a coordinated operation including several security forces, the suspect was apprehended in Bagarawa village on Thursday.
Iro Mohammed, the agency’s chief, informed reporters on Friday that the operative was murdered while storming the suspect’s hideaway.
The commander also revealed the arrest of 59 additional suspects, including four women.
According to him, the individuals were apprehended at several drug dens around the state.
He said:
“They raided his hideout in the village and arrested him but while leaving the village, the suspect raised the alarm.
“So, our men were surrounded by the villagers, who maimed and killed one of our officers with machetes and the suspect escaped.
“This is the problem we are facing. Some of our communities shield drug dealers because of their relationships.
“They know what they are doing. They know what they are doing for a living and how they are spoiling their children but still shield them from arrest.”
“This follows the matching order given by the state governor that security agencies should jointly raid suspected hideouts of criminals.
“Some of the suspects are dealers, while some are users of drugs.
“After investigation, we will prosecute them, while the users will rehabilitated.”
cc: Punch Ng
