NDLEA raid in Bakassi leaves young boy injured by stray bullet after operatives came under mob attack

A young boy was injured by a stray bullet during a chaotic confrontation that followed an operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Ikang, Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

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The operation, which targeted suspected drug dealers in the community, reportedly led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of illicit substances.

Sources told journalists that tension escalated after a mob allegedly attacked NDLEA operatives during the raid, causing panic among residents.

An eyewitness, who spoke anonymously, said gunshots were heard during the confrontation as residents fled for safety.

“Gunshots were suddenly heard during the confrontation, and people started running. After the situation calmed down, it was discovered that a young boy had been hit by a stray bullet and was lying on the ground before he was rushed to the hospital,” the eyewitness said.

The NDLEA raid in Bakassi reportedly threw the community into confusion as residents struggled to understand the circumstances surrounding the clash.

Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer of the NDLEA in Cross River State, Sebastian Lebo, said operatives came under attack while carrying out the operation but succeeded in arresting the suspects.

“It is true that our officers were at Bakassi for an operation. The two dealers that were targets were arrested with good quality exhibits and are now in custody. Our officers came under mob attack and unfortunately there was an injury,” Lebo said.

According to him, the injured boy is receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and is responding positively to treatment.

Lebo added that despite the disturbance, the operatives completed the operation and recovered exhibits linked to the suspects.

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The incident has heightened concerns over the dangers associated with violent confrontations during security operations in local communities.