Suspected drug traffickers 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 incident, 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 protecting cannabis farms in the area.
In a statement on Monday, Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said the officers came under heavy gunfire while advancing into the forest settlement 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 now stable.”
He said the team made a tactical withdrawal to avoid further casualties but stressed that the agency remained committed to eradicating drug-related activities in the state.
“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 added.
According to Ofoyeju, Ukpuje and surrounding communities have long been identified as hubs for large-scale cannabis cultivation and trafficking. He noted that the recent operation was part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown on illicit drug production.
The commander described Edo as one of the country’s major drug-producing states, adding that the agency would continue to sustain its operations despite growing resistance from traffickers.
“We will intensify operations in drug-prone zones like Ukpuje and ensure that those behind these criminal networks are brought to justice,” Ofoyeju said.
He further assured that the NDLEA would strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to restore order and enhance safety in the area.
The NDLEA has, in recent months, stepped up operations across Edo and other parts of the South-South region following the discovery of large cannabis warehouses and trafficking routes connecting neighbouring states.
Ademide Adebayo
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