News Update

An officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), simply identified as Jide, was on Tuesday shot dead by suspected drug dealers during an operation in the Ita’nla area of Ondo town, Ondo State.

The tragic incident occurred when a team of NDLEA operatives stormed an apartment in the area following intelligence that illicit drugs were hidden in the ceiling of the building.

While some of the officers went inside to carry out the search, the deceased officer, who was stationed outside on surveillance duty, was attacked by armed assailants who reportedly opened fire and shot him in the neck.

He was rushed to the hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the police swiftly mobilised and reinforced security presence in the area following the deadly attack.

Ayanlade disclosed that four suspects linked to the crime had been arrested, and a single-barrel gun was recovered from them.

He noted that the command is collaborating with the NDLEA to get to the root of the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and we will ensure that everyone connected to this heinous crime is prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the police spokesman assured.

The incident has sparked tension in the town, with security operatives maintaining heavy presence in the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.