NDLEA Officer Shot Dead During Drug Raid in Ondo — Four Arrested as Police Launch Manhunt

A National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officer, simply identified as Jide, was shot and killed during a sting operation in the early hours of Tuesday in Itanla, Ondo West Local Government Area, Ondo State.

The operation was based on intelligence reports about drug-related activities within a residential compound. Officer Jide was reportedly serving as sentry when unknown gunmen opened fire on him.

“Immediately they came in, some of them entered into the building to recover the exhibits while Officer Jide stood outside mounting the sentry guard. Suddenly, some gunmen came from nowhere and shot him in the neck,” a reliable source told Daily Post under anonymity.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was confirmed dead on arrival by medical personnel.

🔍 How the Attack Happened

The NDLEA team reportedly came under heavy gunfire while attempting to gain access to the ceiling, where suspected hard drugs had allegedly been concealed. The sudden attack by the assailants caught the team off guard.

Efforts to get an official comment from the NDLEA State Command spokesperson, Mr. Adebayo Solomon, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered at the time of this report.

🚓 Police React, Four Suspects in Custody

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the tragic incident and assured the public that a joint investigation is underway.

“We reinforced some of our officers down to the scene. So far, four prime suspects have been arrested. We also recovered a single-barrel gun,” Police Public Relations Officer SP Olayinka Ayanlade said in a statement.

“A manhunt is ongoing to track down other suspects who fled the scene,” he added.

⚖️ NDLEA Operations and Rising Security Risks

This incident adds to the growing list of threats faced by NDLEA officers as they intensify operations against drug syndicates across Nigeria. With rising cases of armed resistance by drug peddlers, the security of operatives in the line of duty remains a major concern.

The NDLEA, under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd), has been carrying out aggressive nationwide campaigns to disrupt drug trafficking networks, especially in high-risk areas like Ondo, Edo, Lagos, and parts of the Southeast.