Suspected drug traffickers have attacked operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and soldiers of the Nigerian Army during a joint operation in Ukpuje, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, October 27, left one NDLEA officer injured after the team was ambushed by armed men believed to be guarding cannabis farms in the area.
Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchel Ofoyeju, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday. He said the officers came under heavy gunfire as they advanced into the forest to destroy illegal cannabis plantations.
“The officers came under intense gunfire from drug cultivators and traffickers as they advanced into Ukpuje,” Ofoyeju said. “One of our officers sustained injuries after being struck by a sharp object during the confrontation but has since received medical attention and is stable.”
He explained that the team made a tactical withdrawal to prevent further casualties but reaffirmed the agency’s determination to rid Edo State of narcotics.
“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 stated.
Ofoyeju described Ukpuje and nearby communities as known hubs for large-scale cannabis cultivation and trafficking. He said the operation formed part of a broader nationwide crackdown on illicit drug production and trade.
“Edo remains one of the country’s major drug-producing states, and we will continue to sustain our operations despite growing resistance from traffickers,” the commander added.
He also assured that the NDLEA would strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to ensure safety and maintain law and order in the area.
The NDLEA has intensified its operations across Edo and other parts of the South-South region in recent months following the discovery of large cannabis warehouses and trafficking routes linking neighbouring states.
