NDLEA Officer Wounded In Edo Drug Raid Ambush

An officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Monday, sustained an injury when a combined team of NDLEA and Army personnel came under attack at Ukpuje town, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said the joint operation was targeted at disrupting cannabis cultivation and trafficking in the community.

He noted that the community has long been notorious for such illegal activities.

The commander explained that as the operatives went through the area, they were ambushed by local cultivators, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire.

He added that the team was forced to withdraw temporarily before resuming the operation.

“Unfortunately, one officer was struck by a sharp object on the hand. He has since received medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery,” Ofoyeju said.

The NDLEA commander added that no life was lost during the encounter and reiterated the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the state.

“Although we faced resistance, we are grateful that no life was lost. Our mission is to ensure that illegal drug activities are disrupted, particularly in areas notorious for drug cultivation,” he stated.

Ofoyeju said the raid in Ukpuje formed part of the NDLEA’s broader crackdown on illicit drug operations and a renewed campaign to promote community safety.

He added that recent months have seen several coordinated raids across Edo State, leading to arrests, convictions, and sensitisation campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse.

“We will not relent in our pursuit of a drug-free society. Operations like these are crucial in our fight against narcotics,” Ofoyeju concluded.