The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday confirmed that one of its operatives was injured when a combined team of the NDLEA and Army personnel came under attack at Ukpuje town, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Edo State NDLEA commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this in a statement, said the community is notorious for cannabis cultivation and trafficking.
Ofoyeju recounted that 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, he said, forced the team to abort the operation and retreat for safety.
Stating that one officer was struck by a sharp object on the hand, the NDLEA boss said he has since received medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery.
Part of the statement read, “A combined team of NDLEA and Army personnel came under attack on Monday at Ukpuje town, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
“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.
“I commend the bravery of our 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 life was lost, and our team was able to carry out the operation efficiently.”
Ofoyeju assured that the NDLEA would intensify efforts against drug cultivation and trafficking in Edo State, stressing that “We will not relent in our pursuit of a drug-free society. Operations like these are crucial in our fight against narcotics”.
The statement said the raid in Ukpuje was part of a broader strategy by the NDLEA to combat drug trafficking and promote community safety, noting that Illicit cannabis cultivation has long been a challenge in the area.
The operation in Ukpuje, Ofoyeju stated, underscored the ongoing collaboration between law enforcement agencies to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
He said the agency had in the past months, also visited spots known for illicit drug sales in the state to arrest dealers.
The commander said apart from getting convictions of drug barons and dealers, the NDLEA had also seized drugs and carried out sensitisation programmes on the ills of drug abuse.
