An officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Aliyu Imran, was killed by an irate mob while on duty last Friday in Gadan-Gayan, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Aliyu, an Assistant Superintendent of Narcotic 1, was targeted by residents following a fatal accident caused by a suspect attempting to evade the anti-narcotic operatives.
According to Sahara Reporters, the operatives of the agency had been chasing a suspected drug dealer when the suspect reversed his vehicle in an attempt to escape, running over and killing at least three people.
As tempers flared in the aftermath, Aliyu reportedly stepped forward in an attempt to de-escalate the tension but was instead attacked by the enraged crowd.
An NDLEA source revealed that as tensions mounted, Aliyu was stabbed, while the Officer-in-Charge called for reinforcements.
However, his colleagues fled the area, leaving him behind. A police officer attempted to rescue him and took him to a nearby hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, the mob later stormed the hospital, forcibly removed Aliyu, and set him on fire.
Meanwhile, Aliyu’s family has expressed their grief and frustration, accusing the NDLEA of failing to acknowledge the tragedy or offer support.
A source within the agency stated, “It happened on Friday when some NDLEA officers were conducting an operation at Gadan-Gayan. They are trying to cover it up. When an officer dies in such incidents, instead of compensating the family, NDLEA often suppresses the news.”
The source explained the events leading up to the officer’s death: “Some officers were on patrol when a suspect reversed and attempted to flee. The officers pursued the vehicle, but the suspect crashed, killing four people. When Aliyu stepped out to calm the situation, the crowd turned violent. The Officer-in-Charge signaled for the team to leave, but in the chaos, Aliyu was left behind. The mob stabbed him, and even after a police officer took him to a hospital, they dragged him out and burned him alive.”
He added, “Do you know what’s heartbreaking? He just got married in December. His wife fainted during his burial. The agency has not addressed the incident publicly, and this isn’t the first time such a tragedy has been covered up.”
While confirming the incident, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi dismissed allegations that the agency had abandoned Aliyu’s family.
“The chairman of the agency is personally in touch with the family. A delegation led by the director of operations and general investigations has been sent to Kaduna to meet them. Additionally, another commander was dispatched earlier by the chairman. There’s no truth to claims that the family has been neglected.”
He further revealed that steps were being taken regarding the incident, stating, “To show the seriousness of this matter, the management has suspended the commander involved. This is an ongoing investigation, and the agency remains in close contact with the family while working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.”
