Thursday 24th September, 2026 recorded a milestone in the history of the National Drug Law Enforcement in Bayelsa State as family members, friends, colleagues and well wishers all gather at Verse One Hotel Okutukutu Yenagoa to honour and celebrate in a grand style, the successful retirement from service of DCGN Fidel Cocodia the Pioneer Zonal Commander of NDLEA Zone 13 Yenagoa Commanding Bayelsa, Delta and Edo states.
Cocodia was described by many as a leader, a father, mentor and role model- who epitomizes humility.
The event began with the decoration of the celebrant, following his recent promotion from the rank of Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN) to Deputy Commander General of Narcotics (DCGN).
Dignitaries who graced the event include Pastor Peter Akpe, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State represented by Collins Cocodia, Special Adviser to the Governor of Bayelsa State on Political Matters/ Traditional Prime Minister of Kabowei Kingdom Worldwide, Hon. Justice Timi Cocodia from the Bayelsa State Judiciary, Hon. Benjamin Abrakasa, Special Adviser to the Governor of Bayelsa State on Drugs, the NDLEA State Commanders of Bayelsa, CN Kanu Sunny Chukwuemeka, Delta, CN Hamidu Halilu and Edo, CN Mitchell Ofeyejuye Jarikre, as well as representatives of the Rivers State Command and NDLEA Zone 14 Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Other dignitaries are Commanding Officers from the military and Heads of other sister Law Enforcement Agencies, top government officials, captains of industries, community leaders, and the special delegation from Trofani community.
DCGN Fidel Cocodia hails from Trofani in Sagbama Local Government area of Bayelsa State, and is the first officer from Bayelsa/ Rivers State axis to rise to the rank of ACGN, and now DCGN in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over a period of 35 years of meritorious and exemplary leadership.
Across section of officers and men of Bayelsa extraction in NDLEA said they will always miss him and wished aHappy retirement and God blessings in his future endeavours.
