Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Army came under heavy attack from suspected drug barons in Ukpuje, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, the agency has confirmed.
In a statement on Monday, Mitchel Ofoyeju, the Edo State NDLEA Commander, said the incident occurred in the early hours of October 27 during a joint operation aimed at dismantling cannabis farms in the area.
“The officers came under intense gunfire from drug cultivators and traffickers as they advanced into Ukpuje,” Ofoyeju said.
He explained that the security team was ambushed by armed cultivators, who opened fire in an attempt to repel the operatives.
The NDLEA commander said the team engaged the attackers briefly before making a tactical withdrawal to avoid further casualties.
“One of our officers sustained injuries after being struck by a sharp object during the confrontation but has since received medical attention and is now stable,” he stated.
Ofoyeju reaffirmed the agency’s determination to curb illicit drug activities in the state despite the attack.
“We are thankful that no life was lost. This incident will not discourage us from pursuing our mandate to cleanse Edo State of narcotics,” he said.
He described Ukpuje as one of the major drug-producing zones in Nigeria and emphasized that the operation was part of NDLEA’s broader strategy to eliminate cannabis cultivation and trafficking networks.
“We will intensify operations in drug-prone zones like Ukpuje and ensure that those behind these criminal networks are brought to justice,” he added.
Ofoyeju also noted that the NDLEA will continue to work closely with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to restore peace and lawfulness in affected areas.
He urged community leaders and residents to support the agency with credible intelligence to identify and apprehend individuals involved in drug cultivation and trafficking.
“Community cooperation is key. Together, we can build a safer, drug-free Edo State,” he said.