YOBE STATE – It was a night of fear, confusion, and revelations as a combined force of the Nigeria Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Department of State Services (DSS) stormed some of Yobe State’s most notorious drug dens and brothels in a sweeping, well-coordinated raid.
Residents of Potiskum and Damaturu woke up to chaos as sirens pierced the night and dozens of suspected drug peddlers, sex workers, and criminal informants were rounded up.
Eyewitnesses described the operation as “movie-like.”
“I was just returning from night prayers when I saw black jeeps and Hilux vans block the whole street,” said Mallam Ibrahim, a local resident. “Before I knew it, they were breaking into one of the compounds known for selling ‘ice’ and tramadol.”
In one of the brothels located in the outskirts of Damaturu, young women were seen wailing as officers conducted body searches and questioned occupants. Several packets of illicit drugs, syringes, used condoms, cash, and weapons were allegedly recovered.
“They dragged us out without even allowing us wear cloth. They didn’t treat us like human beings,” cried a woman who identified herself only as Khadija.
According to security sources, the operation had been under surveillance for over three months, following rising concerns about the role of drugs in fueling cult activities, armed robbery, and kidnapping in the region.
NDLEA’s Yobe Commander, in a press briefing, stated:
“This operation is part of a wider campaign to dismantle drug networks and criminal syndicates operating under the disguise of local bars and guesthouses. We will not stop until the entire chain is exposed.”
No fewer than 47 suspects — including known drug dealers, brothel managers, and “area boys” — were taken into custody. Items recovered include over 5kg of methamphetamine, sachets of tramadol, unlicensed weapons, and a register of clients believed to include politically connected individuals.
🔎 What’s Next?
Many residents are now calling for the government to rehabilitate arrested sex workers, and to monitor hotels and lounges that act as fronts for crime.
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