A National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officer, identified as Jide, was fatally shot during an early morning operation targeting suspected drug traffickers in Itanla, a community in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The incident occurred during a raid conducted by the NDLEA following intelligence reports about illegal drug activities within a residential building in the area. Sources familiar with the operation said the team arrived at the location and began searching the premises for evidence.
While some officers entered the building to recover suspected substances, Jide reportedly stayed outside to provide security. According to an eyewitness who requested anonymity, unknown assailants emerged and shot him in the neck. Despite being rushed to the hospital, medical personnel confirmed he was dead on arrival.
The NDLEA team reportedly came under heavy gunfire during their attempt to search the ceiling of the building, where it was believed hard drugs were hidden.
Efforts to contact the NDLEA’s state spokesperson, Adebayo Solomon, were unsuccessful as of the time this report was compiled.
However, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the killing and revealed that four suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack.
“We dispatched reinforcements to the scene and successfully apprehended four individuals believed to be involved. A single-barrel firearm was also recovered from the suspects,” Ayanlade said.
He further stated that an investigation is ongoing in partnership with the NDLEA, and a manhunt has been launched for other individuals who escaped the scene.
