A clash between National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives and armed individuals has resulted in three operatives sustaining injuries, with one requiring brain surgery.
The confrontation arose when suspected hoodlums attempted to obstruct the operatives from reaching a concealed drug warehouse deep within Opuje forest in Edo State’s Owan West Local Government Area.
In a statement released by the agency on Thursday, after a two-hour gun battle, the NDLEA personnels managed to leave the area.
It all started with a credible intelligence prompting NDLEA officers to target the warehouse containing psychoactive substances slated for distribution nationwide during the festive period.
Describing the Opuje community as a hub for cannabis cultivation, the statement highlighted the cartels’ extensive investments, including deforestation and cultivation spanning hundreds of hectares.
After harvest, these cartels construct warehouses within forest reserves, guarded by armed youths round-the-clock.
Acting on intelligence suggesting the restocking of these warehouses for the festive season’s drug distribution, NDLEA teams initiated operations to dismantle them.
While demolishing warehouses in Ujiogba forest, they encountered gunfire upon approaching the Opuje forest due to roads being blocked by armed hoodlums.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), condemned the attack, vowing relentless pursuit of those behind violence against agency personnel.
He affirmed the agency’s commitment to bringing culprits to justice and dismantling their criminal networks.
