One personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA attached to the Edo State Command was hit by a bullet fired by some recalcitrant drug barons when a team of the anti narcotic agency recently went on destruction of cannabis farms in some communities in the state. The incident forced the team to beat a retreat so the injured personnel could be attended to medically. He is said to have since been attended to and discharged.
Commander of the state command, Mitchell Ofoyeju who confirmed the incident in a statement said the command would not be deterred by the ambush adding that the NDLEA was determined to stamp out any form of illicit drug deals including Cannabis cultivation. He stressed, “A combined team of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Army personnel in the early hours of Monday, October 27, 2025, came under attack at Ukpuje town, Owan West Local Government Area of the State, a community that is notorious for cannabis cultivation and trafficking.
As the team advanced through the town, they encountered resistance from local cultivators, who ambushed them, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The hostile environment forced the team to abort the operation and retreat for safety.
Unfortunately, one officer was struck by a sharp object on the hand. This officer has since received medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery.
Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, commended the bravery of his officers and the army personnel involved. “Our mission here is to ensure that illegal drug activities are disrupted, particularly in areas notorious for drug cultivation. Although we faced resistance, we are grateful that no lives were lost, and our team was able to carry out the operation efficiently.”
The raid in Ukpuje is part of a broader strategy by the NDLEA to combat drug trafficking and promote community safety. Illicit cannabis cultivation has long been a challenge in the area.
The NDLEA has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts against drug cultivation and trafficking in Edo State. “We will not relent in our pursuit of a drug-free society. Operations like these are crucial in our fight against narcotics,” Ofoyeju added.
The operation in Ukpuje underscores the ongoing collaboration between law enforcement agencies to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
