Suspected drug peddlers gun down NDLEA operative during raid

Tragedy struck in Ondo State on Tuesday as a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operative, simply identified as Jide, was shot dead during an anti-drug operation in Ondo town.

According to reports, the NDLEA team had stormed an apartment in the Ita’nla area of the town after receiving intelligence about hard drugs allegedly hidden in the ceiling of the residence. However, as the officers attempted to recover the illicit substances, they were ambushed by gunmen believed to be connected to the drug syndicate.

The attack led to a deadly exchange, resulting in the fatal shooting of Officer Jide, who was part of the operation.

“I guess the team got a tip that some drugs were stored inside the residential building at Ita’nla in Ondo. So, the officials came very early in a sting operation to bust the building,” a source close to the NDLEA said.

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“Immediately they came in, some of them entered the building to recover the exhibits while Officer Jide stood outside, mounting the sentry guard. But gunmen came from nowhere and opened fire on him, and he was shot in the neck.

“The officer was immediately rushed to the hospital, but the doctors on duty confirmed him dead on arrival. It is a very sad development.”

The spokesperson for the Ondo Command of the NDLEA, Adebayo Solomon, could not be reached for comment.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident.

He said that four suspects have already been arrested in connection with the crime, adding that a single-barrel gun was also recovered.

“Immediately it happened, we sent as reinforcement some of our officers down to the scene. We have been able to arrest four prime suspects who are now in our custody.

“We have also recovered a single barrel gun, and investigation is also ongoing in collaboration with the NDLEA to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly attack and killing to book,” Mr Ayanlade said.