An operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), identified simply as Jide, was shot and killed by suspected drug peddlers during a raid in Ondo town on Tuesday.
The incident occurred in the Ita’nla area of the town when a team of NDLEA officers stormed an apartment to recover illicit drugs reportedly hidden in the ceiling.
According to a source familiar with the operation, the officers had received a tip-off and launched an early-morning sting operation targeting the location. While some officers entered the building to retrieve the drugs, Officer Jide was stationed outside on sentry duty.
“Gunmen suddenly appeared and opened fire on him,” the source said. “He was hit in the neck and was immediately rushed to the hospital, but sadly, he was confirmed dead on arrival.”
The spokesperson for the Ondo NDLEA Command, Adebayo Solomon, was unavailable for comment as of press time. However, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident.
Ayanlade disclosed that four suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack and that a single-barrel firearm was recovered from the scene. “We deployed reinforcements immediately and arrested four prime suspects who are now in custody. Investigations are ongoing in partnership with the NDLEA,” he said.
The killing has sparked renewed concerns over the dangers faced by security operatives involved in anti-narcotics efforts across the country.
