In a troubling incident in Calabar, Cross River State, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) are facing serious allegations of assaulting a journalist from Radio Nigeria. The incident unfolded on Monday along Lemna Road during an operation aimed at apprehending suspected drug dealers.

The journalist, identified as Prince Alobi, reported that he was assaulted after he stepped out of his office to cover the unfolding situation near the Northwest Filling Station. Alobi, who works for Canaan City FM 99.5, stated that he heard gunshots and decided to investigate, notifying his station of his intentions. He claims that upon arriving at the scene, an NDLEA operative slapped him, resulting in him losing consciousness.

Alobi recounted his experience, saying, "I was screaming, ‘I am a press man,’ but the beating continued. I was bundled and thrown into the trunk of their Hilux, while they collected my iPhones and smashed them both." The journalist reported severe pain, particularly around his ribs, and expressed concern over the damage to his equipment, which has disrupted his work. He is now calling for accountability regarding the incident.

On the other hand, the NDLEA has provided a different account of the events. Assistant Commander of Narcotics Kabiru Abdullahi, who oversees the NDLEA Dragon Squad in Cross River, stated that their personnel were responding to an attack from a mob while conducting a stop-and-search operation. Abdullahi explained that the team had intercepted a motorcycle carrying a man and two women, recovering a whitish substance suspected to be methamphetamine. He alleged that a group of men incited a crowd against the officers after the suspects resisted the search.

According to Abdullahi, the crowd retaliated by attacking the NDLEA operatives with sticks, stones, and other objects, resulting in injuries to some personnel. He mentioned that one officer was hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the attack, while the initial suspects managed to escape amidst the chaos. Following the incident, three individuals believed to have incited the mob were arrested, and additional drugs were recovered as evidence.

In response to the allegations against its operatives, the NDLEA’s Public Relations Officer in Cross River, Sebastian Lebo, acknowledged the incident and stated that measures are being taken to address the situation. He confirmed that Alobi would receive compensation for his damaged phones and assured that an official statement would be issued soon.

This incident raises significant concerns regarding the treatment of journalists in the line of duty, especially in volatile situations involving law enforcement. As investigations continue, the NDLEA faces scrutiny over its conduct and the safety of media personnel covering such operations.