Youths Exchange Gunshots with NDLEA Officials, as Agency Denies Shooting Civilians in Lagos

By Paul Michael, Defence Editor, Abuja

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has denied allegations making the rounds on Social Media that its officials were shooting sporadically at civilian population at Patey, Lagos Island on Saturday morning.

This is coming as many youths are allegedly feared dead following a massive shoot out between NDLEA and youths of the densely populated area.

There have been counter accusations on NDLEA officials by eyewitnesses and residents in the area on social media, as many express fear.

Some online platforms alleged that the NDLEA officials almost turned the Patey area of the Lagos Island to a war zone as sounds of gunshots made waves and created tension.

Some videos capturing the scenes and showing the officials gunning down the youths have continued to make the rounds, as residents scampered to safety during the gunshots.

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Responding, however, the NDLEA denied the allegations saying that the agency’s officials were attacked while carrying out their lawful duty.

“A lot of fake narratives have been going on what happened at Patey (SIC) area of Lagos Island earlier today. Please disregard them.

“Truth is our operatives went for the arrest of a major drug kingpin and we got her and 5 others with almost 6,000kg of drugs despite attacks on our men,” a statement on the twitter handle of the anti-narcotics agency said.

The development is coming a few days after music stars, Zinoleesky and Mohbad, were picked up by the agency for being in possession of hard drugs.

Although they have been released, several Nigerians queried why they were manhandled and arrested without a warrant.

In a swift response earlier on Friday, the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the ID card of an NDLEA agent serves as an ‘arrest’ warrant.