Malik Yahya/
In a tragic incident, Aliyu Imran, a newly-wedded officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), was killed by a mob in the Gadan-Gayan area of Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Imran, an Assistant Superintendent of Narcotic 1, was reportedly set ablaze following a confrontation during a drug enforcement operation.
Sources revealed that the incident occurred during an NDLEA operation targeting a suspected drug dealer.
While attempting to evade capture, the suspect reversed his vehicle, causing a fatal accident that claimed at least three lives. Imran reportedly stepped out of his vehicle to de-escalate the rising tensions when the mob turned on him.
Despite his efforts to calm the crowd, Imran was stabbed multiple times. The officer-in-charge of the operation reportedly ordered his team to withdraw due to the hostile environment, inadvertently leaving Imran behind.
A police officer on the scene transported Imran to a nearby hospital for treatment, but the mob tracked him down.
Witnesses stated that the assailants stormed the medical facility, dragged Imran out, and set him on fire while he was still alive.
Imran’s family expressed deep disappointment, accusing the NDLEA of neglecting them.
A family source alleged that the agency has a history of downplaying incidents involving fallen officers to avoid compensating their families.
“It’s heartbreaking. Aliyu just got married in December, and now his wife is widowed. She fainted at his burial,” a family member lamented. “The NDLEA hasn’t issued a statement or extended condolences to us. This neglect is not new; they often try to cover up such incidents.”
The NDLEA has refuted claims of neglect.
Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, stated that the agency’s chairman is in direct contact with Imran’s family.
A delegation led by the agency’s director of operations has reportedly visited Kaduna to console the family and investigate the incident.
“The commander involved in the operation has been suspended, and the matter is under thorough investigation,” Babafemi said. “We are working diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and ensure justice is served.”
0
