A routine drug raid in Ondo State turned deadly after a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operative was shot and killed by suspected drug dealers.

The officer, simply identified as Jide, was part of a team that stormed a house in Itanla, Ondo West Local Government Area, in the early hours of the morning following intelligence reports about illegal drug activities in the area.

According to eyewitnesses, as the NDLEA agents moved in, they were met with heavy gunfire from suspects who were trying to stop the officers from retrieving drugs allegedly hidden in the ceiling of the building.

Officer Jide, who was on sentry duty outside, was shot in the neck during the attack. He was rushed to the hospital immediately but was sadly confirmed dead on arrival.

“This is a very sad and shocking incident,” said a source familiar with the operation. “They were just doing their job, and now we’ve lost a brave officer.”

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident. Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, revealed that four prime suspects have been arrested, and a single-barrel gun was recovered from the scene. A manhunt is ongoing for other suspects who fled the area during the shootout.

“We’re working closely with the NDLEA to ensure everyone involved in this brutal killing is brought to justice,” Ayanlade said.

As investigations continue, the incident has sparked fresh concerns about the increasing dangers faced by security operatives in the fight against drug crime across Nigeria.