NDLEA Officers Accused Of Vandalising Residents’ Vehicles In Abuja Community In Retaliation For Foiled Operation (Photos)

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) are reported to have raided the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Durumi, Area 1, Abuja, vandalizing vehicles and properties valued at millions of naira.

It was gathered that the officers invaded the community in an attempt to arrest suspected drug dealers but were initially blocked by a soldier, preventing them from making arrests.

One of the victims, Philip Zakari, whose car was vandalised beyond recognition, spoke to SaharaReporters on Thursday.

He claimed that NDLEA officers returned to the camp on Wednesday, September 11, seeking revenge for the interference by the soldier.

"My name is Philip Zakari. I work as a driver for a school. I had parked my car in front of my house because it had a fault, and I went to work. Around 4 p.m., a friend called me and told me that cars were being vandalised around the IDP camp," Zakari said.

He continued, "He told me that the people responsible for the destruction were NDLEA officers. When I returned home after dropping the children off, I saw that everything in my car had been damaged—they had vandalised the vehicle and slashed the tyres.

“All four tyres, which were new, were destroyed. The damage is extensive, and I don't think I can repair it. I’m just a driver, not a criminal. I don’t know why they did this to me."

Zakari added that he had contacted one of the officers, who confirmed that they returned for revenge.

"The officer told me they had an issue with some boys in Area 1 and returned the next day for revenge," he said.

When asked if he had reported the incident to the police, Zakari said, "I went to the police station yesterday, but they asked me for evidence, like the licence plate numbers of the vehicles the NDLEA officers came in. But when I investigated, I learned that none of their vehicles had plates.

“However, some people recognised the officers, and they said they were from the NDLEA headquarters in Gudu. When I went back to the police, they advised me to get a lawyer and take the matter to court, without taking any formal statement."

Zakari also mentioned that some community members were arrested by the NDLEA, and their relatives had to bail them out from the agency’s headquarters.

Meanwhile, SaharaReporters obtained a voice note in Hausa in which someone described as one of the officers confirmed that they vandalised the vehicles as an act of revenge.

“When we initially came for the operation, we arrested two individuals with drugs—one from inside his house, while another fled. A man, claiming to be a soldier, then blocked our exit by mobilising some boys to obstruct the road. The soldier's actions triggered our anger,” the ‘officer’ said in the recording.

He also admitted to driving the Hilux vehicle involved in the raid, expressing surprise that Zakari’s car had been vandalised.

"I know you usually park it elsewhere, and you don’t have any dealings with the drug dealers. I’m sorry your car was affected," he said.

He said, "If the boys in the community don’t tell the soldier to stop interfering, it could lead to serious problems. During the operation, we fired over 50 shots into the air. If we hadn’t, many people could have been killed. People could have died for nothing, and all we would have done is write a report."

When Zakara asked how he would get money to repair his car, the ‘officer’ responded, "I don’t know. But don’t give anyone money to follow up on this case—it is only God that can help you get justice."

When SaharaReporters contacted the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, he said, "According to our findings, our officers conducted a raid on several drug spots in Durumi, where they recovered cocaine and other illicit substances and arrested three suspects.

“Unfortunately, as they were leaving the location, the drug dealers mobilised miscreants who attacked our team, injuring two officers and damaging two of their vehicles.”

He added that during the attack, two of the three arrested suspects were also freed by the assailants.

"An attempt by our team to recover one of the damaged vehicles led to another attack, necessitating that they defend themselves," he said.