The Cross River State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Morrison Ogbonna, was on Thursday morning found dead in his hotel room in Calabar, a shocking development that has unsettled the state’s security community.

How He Was Found

According to reports, Ogbonna’s officers had gone to pick him up for an official assignment but could not reach him. After several failed attempts, the hotel management was alerted. On opening his room, he was discovered lifeless.

A security source revealed:

“This morning, some officers went to the hotel to pick him up. When they didn’t get any response, they asked the hotel management to open the room, and that was when his body was found.”

The incident has left his subordinates in shock, especially as the late commander had been actively coordinating NDLEA operations in the state just days before his death.

Recently Posted to Cross River

Ogbonna assumed duty only in August 2025, after being redeployed to replace Rachel Umebuali. His arrival was expected to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, particularly across Cross River’s porous border routes.

In his short time, he had begun reviewing operational strategies and engaging with stakeholders in the narcotics fight before his sudden demise cut short his efforts.

Police Confirm Incident

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the discovery but said the cause of death remains unknown.
Police spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo-Obase, said:

“I can confirm that this is true, but what led to his death is something I cannot readily disclose.”

NDLEA headquarters in Abuja is yet to issue an official statement, though insiders say the agency has been thrown into mourning.

A Blow to NDLEA’s Operations

The NDLEA has intensified anti-drug operations in recent years, with commanders playing a crucial role in intelligence gathering, field coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
Ogbonna’s sudden passing is viewed as a major setback for the Cross River command, a region regarded as strategic due to its borders and waterways.

Colleagues and civil society groups have described him as dedicated and full of new ideas.
“This is a huge loss, not only to NDLEA but to Nigeria’s anti-narcotics fight,” one officer remarked.

Cause of Death Still Unclear

As at press time, the cause of Ogbonna’s death had not been disclosed. While some speculate natural causes, others are calling for an autopsy to rule out foul play. His remains have been deposited in a Calabar morgue pending further examination.

What Next?

The NDLEA is expected to appoint an interim head for the Cross River command as investigations continue. For many, Ogbonna’s untimely death highlights the uncertainties and pressures faced by security operatives at the frontline.