NDLEA operative shot dead during Ondo drug raid

DDM News

An officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), identified only as Jide, was shot dead on Tuesday during a raid in Ondo town, Ondo State.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the slain officer was attached to the Ondo State Command of the NDLEA and was part of a team conducting a drug raid in the Ita’nla area of the town.

According to sources, the operation was carried out based on intelligence reports that drugs were being stored inside the ceiling of a residential apartment.

The NDLEA team reportedly stormed the premises early Tuesday morning to recover the hidden substances.

While some members of the team went inside the building to retrieve the illegal items, Officer Jide stood outside, providing security for the operation.

Suddenly, unidentified gunmen approached the location and opened fire on the officer.

He was shot in the neck and collapsed instantly.

Witnesses said the officer was immediately rushed to the hospital.

Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead on arrival by the medical team.

A source involved in the operation described the event as deeply tragic.

He said the killing came as a shock to many within the agency.

The suspected attackers are believed to be drug dealers whose criminal activities were being disrupted by the NDLEA’s clampdown.

While the NDLEA has yet to issue an official statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Ondo State, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident.

Speaking to reporters, Ayanlade disclosed that the police have launched a joint investigation alongside the NDLEA to track down those responsible.

He revealed that four prime suspects have already been arrested in connection with the shooting.

A single barrel gun believed to have been used in the attack was also recovered at the crime scene.

According to Ayanlade, reinforcements were immediately deployed to the scene of the crime after the incident occurred.

He assured the public that both the police and the NDLEA are working together to bring all culprits to justice.

The officer’s death adds to growing concerns over the safety of anti-narcotics agents in Nigeria, who often operate in hostile environments while confronting drug syndicates and traffickers.

The NDLEA has, in recent months, intensified efforts to dismantle drug networks across Nigeria, especially in regions known for trafficking and production.

However, the violent resistance by suspected criminals, as seen in this case, has highlighted the dangers faced by operatives on the frontlines.

Officer Jide’s death has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for stronger protection of law enforcement agents engaged in dangerous assignments.

As of press time, security operatives remain on high alert in the Ita’nla area while the investigation continues.

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