A joint operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Army turned violent on Monday when suspected drug traffickers ambushed the team in Ukpuje, a community in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State. One NDLEA officer sustained an injury during the attack.
The ambush occurred while the security team was carrying out a raid on farms and hideouts linked to illegal cannabis cultivation and trafficking, an issue the area has become notorious for. According to the Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the operatives met fierce resistance from local cultivators who opened fire and attacked with weapons.
“Our men came under sudden attack from suspected drug cultivators while advancing through Ukpuje. One of our officers was struck on the hand by a sharp object but has since received treatment and is in stable condition,” Ofoyeju said in a statement.
He revealed that the team briefly withdrew to regroup but later resumed the operation, emphasizing that their mission was successful despite the confrontation.
“The courage and professionalism displayed by our officers and the soldiers were commendable. We faced resistance but ensured that no life was lost, and our objectives were achieved,” he added.
Ofoyeju condemned the growing boldness of drug cartels operating in rural parts of Edo State and vowed that the NDLEA would continue its crackdown on narcotics production and distribution. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to pursuing a drug-free Nigeria, warning that those involved in the illegal trade would face the full weight of the law.
“We will not back down. Our operations will continue until these criminal networks are dismantled. Every community involved in cannabis cultivation should consider this a final warning,” he stated.
The Ukpuje operation, according to the NDLEA, is part of a broader nationwide strategy aimed at curbing drug trafficking and enhancing public safety. For years, Ukpuje and surrounding communities have been identified as hotbeds of cannabis production, posing a major challenge to law enforcement agencies and community stability.
Recent months have seen a surge in NDLEA enforcement activities across Edo State, leading to numerous arrests, successful convictions, and intensified awareness campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse. The agency said these efforts, carried out in collaboration with the military and other security outfits, demonstrate its unwavering determination to disrupt the drug trade and safeguard Nigerian youth from substance abuse.