• One officer injured as operatives ambushed in Owan West
BENIN CITY – Armed drug traffickers suspected to be cannabis cultivators on Monday ambushed operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Ukpuje, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The officers came under heavy fire in the early hours of yesterday while attempting to dismantle large cannabis farms in the area, according to a statement issued by the NDLEA Edo State Commander, Mr. Mitchel Ofoyeju, in Benin City.
Ofoyeju said the team engaged the attackers in a brief gunfight before making a tactical withdrawal to avoid further casualties.
“As our team advanced into Ukpuje, they came under heavy attack from drug cultivators and traffickers in the community. The officers responded professionally and managed to retreat safely after the situation became hostile,” he said.
He confirmed that one NDLEA officer sustained injuries after being struck by a sharp object during the encounter.
The officer has since received medical attention and is reported to be in stable condition.
“We are thankful that no life was lost. The injured officer has been treated and is recovering. This development will not deter us from our mission to rid Edo State of illicit drug activities,” Ofoyeju stated.
The NDLEA commander said the Ukpuje raid formed part of the agency’s broader strategy to curb drug trafficking and cultivation in Edo, which he described as one of Nigeria’s major cannabis production centres.
“We will continue to intensify operations in drug-prone areas like Ukpuje and ensure that those behind these criminal networks are brought to justice,” he added.
Ofoyeju reaffirmed the NDLEA’s collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to restore safety and order in the area, and appealed to traditional rulers and residents to support the agency through information sharing.
“Community cooperation is key,” he said. “Together, we can build a safer, drug-free Edo State.”