A senior officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency (NDLEA) has been killed during an operation on Bonny Island in Rivers State. The incident occurred during a raid targeting suspected drug trafficking activities in the area.
According to preliminary reports, the officer was part of a team deployed to carry out an enforcement exercise when the operation turned violent. Details surrounding the confrontation remain limited, but authorities confirmed that the officer lost his life in the line of duty.
The NDLEA said the raid was part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illicit drug networks operating in coastal and riverine communities. Bonny Island has been identified as a strategic location due to its waterways and commercial activities.
Sources indicated that the enforcement team encountered resistance during the operation. The circumstances leading to the fatality are currently under investigation.
The agency expressed condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the deceased officer. Officials described him as a dedicated and courageous operative committed to combating drug-related crimes.
The NDLEA has intensified operations nationwide in recent months, targeting trafficking routes and distribution networks. The agency has repeatedly warned that its officers face increasing risks in the line of duty.
Security agencies have been alerted to the incident, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible. Authorities said additional measures may be taken to reinforce the safety of personnel involved in high-risk operations.
The killing highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers engaged in anti-narcotics missions. Drug trafficking remains a significant challenge in parts of the country, with criminal networks often operating across difficult terrain.
Community leaders on Bonny Island have reportedly expressed concern over the incident and called for calm. They urged residents to cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against drug trafficking despite the setback. The agency emphasized that the sacrifice of the fallen officer would not deter its mandate to combat illegal drug activities.
Further updates are expected as investigations progress and more details emerge about the circumstances surrounding the raid.
