NDLEA Officer Killed in Ondo Drug Raid, Four Suspects Arrested

By Ohworisi Elohor.

A routine drug operation turned deadly in Ondo town when a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officer was ambushed and fatally shot by suspected drug dealers.
The officer, identified as Jide, was killed during a raid conducted by NDLEA personnels on a residential building in the Ita’nla area of the town. The raid followed intelligence reports that illicit drugs were being concealed within the ceiling of the apartment.

It was gathered that upon arrival at the scene, members of the NDLEA team proceeded into the building to retrieve the concealed substances while Officer Jide remained outside to serve as lookout.

According to sources familiar with the operation, the assailants emerged from a nearby hideout and opened fire on the officer at close range. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.

“The team had barely begun their search when shots rang out,” a witness recounted. “The officer standing guard was hit before the others could respond. A gun battle later broke out between the NDLEA operatives and the attackers, and some officers sustained injuries.”

Following the attack, the police were alerted and swiftly deployed reinforcement to the area. Four suspects were apprehended in connection with the shooting, and a locally fabricated single-barrel firearm was recovered at the scene.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that investigations had been launched to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the attack.

“Our officers responded immediately to the distress call. Four suspects have been taken into custody, and one firearm has been recovered,” he stated. “The remains of the deceased officer have been deposited at the morgue, and all efforts are being made to ensure that those behind this act face justice.”

The incident has raised concerns over the increasing boldness of criminal elements involved in the drug trade, as well as the risks faced by operatives in the line of duty.