In a daring showdown in Opuje community, Edo state, NDLEA officers faced a barrage of bullets from armed hoodlums blocking access to forest warehouses storing tons of psychoactive substances. The incident, reminiscent of a prior clash 11 months ago, unfolded as officers mobilized to thwart drug cartels preparing for widespread distribution ahead of the Christmas and New Year season.
The Opuje community, a known hotspot for cannabis cultivation, has been a focal point for drug cartels investing heavily in illicit activities. Despite previous arrests, the cartels persist in cultivating cannabis on a massive scale, constructing hidden warehouses in the forest reserves guarded by armed youths.
Recent intelligence prompted NDLEA teams to launch an offensive, destroying warehouses in the Ujiogba forest. However, on Monday, December 4th, armed hoodlums ambushed the officers as they approached the Opuje forest, blocking all access roads in the community. A fierce two-hour gunfight ensued, resulting in three officers injured, one critically with a gunshot wound to the head.
The injured officers were promptly transported to the hospital, with one undergoing major surgery on December 6th to remove bullets lodged in the brain. NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), condemned the attack, vowing relentless pursuit of those sponsoring violence against operatives.
Despite the setback, Marwa affirmed that the incident would not deter the NDLEA from its mission to dismantle drug cartels across the nation. The agency remains resolute in its offensive against drug barons, emphasizing the commitment to safeguarding communities and curbing the destructive influence of illicit substances on the nation's youth.
As investigations continue and the injured officers recover, the NDLEA's unwavering dedication to the fight against drug trafficking and abuse stands as a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity
