The Sokoto State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a drug dealer for allegedly masterminding the killing of one of their operatives in January this year.

The dealer was arrested in Bagarawa village on Thursday following a joint operation involving other security agencies.

The commander of the agency, Iro Mohammed, told newsmen that the operative was killed during a raid of the suspect’s hideout around January this year.

Mohammed noted, “They raided his hideout in the village and arrested him, but while leaving the village, the suspect raised the alarm. So, our men were surrounded by the villagers who maimed and killed one of our officers with matchets and the suspect escaped.

“This is the problem we are facing. Some of our communities shield drug dealers because of relationship.

“They know what they are doing. They know what they do for a living and how they are spoiling their children but still shield them from arrest.”

The commander further disclosed the arrest of 59 other suspects, including four ladies.

According to him, the suspects were arrested in different drugs joints across the state.

He added, “This followed the matching order given by the state governor that security agencies should jointly raid suspected hideouts of criminals. Some of the suspects are dealers while some are users of drugs. After investigation, we will prosecute them while the users, we will rehabilitated.” (Daily Trust)