NDLEA Officer Shot Dead During Drug Raid in Ondo Town
By Exponent News, Akure – July 23, 2025
The wave of violence in Ondo town has claimed yet another life as an operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), identified simply as Officer Jide, was gunned down during a raid on a suspected drug den.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday during a sting operation carried out by NDLEA personnel at a residential building in the Ita’nla area of the town, following credible intelligence about illicit drug activity.
Sources revealed that the officers had stormed the premises after receiving reports that hard drugs were hidden in the ceiling of the apartment. While some of the operatives entered the building to retrieve the substances, Officer Jide remained outside to provide security.
“He was on guard duty outside when suddenly, armed men believed to be linked to the drug peddlers opened fire. He was hit in the neck and rushed to a nearby hospital, but was confirmed dead on arrival,” an eyewitness told reporters.
Although attempts to reach the NDLEA spokesperson in Ondo State, Adebayo Solomon, proved unsuccessful, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident.
According to Ayanlade, the police responded immediately to the distress call and arrested four suspects in connection with the shooting. A single-barrel gun, believed to have been used in the attack, was also recovered from the scene.
“Following the incident, we deployed officers to the area and have so far apprehended four suspects. A locally made single-barrel firearm was recovered as well,” Ayanlade disclosed.
He added that the police are working closely with the NDLEA to ensure that all individuals involved in the killing of Officer Jide face the full weight of the law.
The incident has sparked fresh concerns over the safety of law enforcement officers and the growing threat of drug-related violence in the state.
