Gunmen suspected to be cannabis cultivators and traffickers have attacked a joint team of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Nigerian Army personnel in Ukpuje, Owan West Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, October 27, 2025, during an operation to dismantle illegal drug farms in the area, which is reportedly notorious for cannabis cultivation.
Confirming the attack in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said one officer sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Ofoyeju added that the officer is in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.
He also commended the bravery of his officers and the soldiers involved, noting that the team came under heavy fire while advancing through the community.
"As the team advanced through the town, they encountered resistance from local cultivators, who ambushed them, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The hostile environment forced the team to abort the operation and retreat for safety," he said.
The NDLEA commander explained that the raid in Ukpuje was part of a broader crackdown on illegal drug production and trafficking across the state.
"Our mission is to ensure that illegal drug activities are disrupted, particularly in areas notorious for drug cultivation. Although we faced resistance, we are grateful that no lives were lost, and our team carried out the operation professionally," he said.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to intensifying its fight against illicit drug activities and maintaining collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard communities.
"The NDLEA will not relent in its pursuit of a drug-free society. Operations like these are essential to curb the menace of drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State," he said.