Nigeria TV Info – NDLEA, Soldiers Ambushed by Suspected Drug Traffickers in Edo, One Officer Injured

Ukpuje, Edo State (October 28, 2025) – Suspected drug traffickers on Sunday launched a violent attack on operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and personnel of the Nigerian Army during a joint anti-drug operation in Ukpuje community, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The security team, which had advanced into a forest settlement to destroy illegal cannabis farms, came under heavy gunfire from armed men believed to be protecting the plantations.

Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchel Ofoyeju, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, revealing that one NDLEA officer sustained injuries during the confrontation.

> “The officers came under intense gunfire from drug cultivators and traffickers as they advanced into Ukpuje,” Ofoyeju stated. “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 in stable condition.”

He added that despite the ambush, the security team succeeded in destroying several cannabis farms and seized processed cannabis ready for distribution.

Residents in the area say drug cultivation has become widespread in remote parts of Ukpuje, leading to clashes between drug syndicates and law enforcement agencies in recent years.

The NDLEA Commander emphasized that the agency will continue its operations across the state, stressing that no group involved in illegal drug activities will intimidate law enforcement.

Security has since been reinforced in the affected forest area as investigations continue.