A routine anti-drug operation in Yola took a troubling turn after a young resident suffered gunshot wounds during a chaotic sweep by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The incident has stirred unease across the community, with many questioning the tactics used in the densely populated market.
Witnesses explained that the operation unfolded mid-morning inside the busy Ngurore Market, where officers reportedly targeted a concealed drug hub.
What began as a swift raid soon escalated into sporadic gunfire, leaving shoppers scrambling for safety.
Community sources familiar with the events said 22-year-old Abubakar Hassan was struck by stray bullets as traders and customers attempted to flee the scene.
Hassan, who lives in the Jambutu area, was hit in the stomach and leg. One witness said the chaos “sent everyone running in different directions because no one expected live rounds to be fired in that kind of crowd.”
Security operatives arrived moments later to stabilise the situation. The Divisional Police Officer for Ngurore visited the scene before Hassan was moved to Banene Hospital, where medical personnel described his condition as stable.
A health worker at the facility said the victim was “fortunate to receive quick attention, which helped prevent the injuries from worsening.”
Moreover, the shooting has triggered a wave of criticism from residents who faulted the NDLEA’s approach in such a congested environment.
Several locals expressed deep frustration, noting that security agencies must be mindful of the risks posed to bystanders.
A concerned trader remarked that “operations like this require precision, not panic, because innocent people always end up paying the price.”
Furthermore, civil society groups in the area have called for a review of operational protocols to prevent similar incidents. They argued that better intelligence and coordination could help reduce avoidable casualties.
As of the time of filing this report, the NDLEA has not issued any formal response or clarification on the circumstances leading to the shooting.
The silence has only intensified public calls for accountability and transparency as residents await updates on the investigation.
The aftermath of the incident continues to spur debate on balancing aggressive drug enforcement with the safety of everyday citizens, a conversation likely to shape future security operations in the region.