The fight against illicit drug cultivation in Edo State took a violent turn on October 27, 2025, when operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and personnel of the Nigerian Army were ambushed in Ukpuje, Owan West Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued in Benin City by Mr. Mitchel Ofoyeju, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, the joint security team had launched an operation to dismantle cannabis farms in the community when they came under heavy fire from suspected drug cultivators and traffickers.
“As our team advanced into Ukpuje, they came under heavy attack from drug cultivators and traffickers in the community. The officers responded professionally and managed to retreat safely after the situation became hostile,” Ofoyeju explained.
The confrontation forced the operatives to make a tactical withdrawal to prevent further casualties. During the attack, one NDLEA officer sustained injuries after being struck with a sharp object. The commander confirmed that the officer had received medical treatment and was now in stable condition.
“We are thankful that no life was lost. The injured officer has been treated and is recovering. This development, however, will not deter us from our mission to rid Edo State of illicit drug activities,” Ofoyeju stated.
The NDLEA boss emphasized that the Ukpuje raid was part of a broader anti-narcotics strategy aimed at curbing cannabis cultivation and trafficking in Edo, which remains one of Nigeria’s most notorious drug production hubs. He assured that the agency, working in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, would continue to intensify operations in drug-prone areas.
Ofoyeju also appealed to community leaders and residents to support the agency’s efforts by providing intelligence that could help identify and apprehend those behind the illicit trade. “Community cooperation is key. Together, we can build a safer, drug-free Edo State,” he added.
The ambush underscores the growing risks faced by security operatives in the fight against organized drug cartels, while also highlighting the resilience of the NDLEA in its mission to dismantle criminal networks fueling the drug trade in Nigeria.
