NDLEA officer drowns, colleague hospitalised during suspect chase in Delta

A National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officer has reportedly drowned while another is battling for his life after they jumped into the River Ethiope while pursuing fleeing suspects in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident occurred on Saturday during a drug enforcement operation that turned tragic after the officers entered the river in an attempt to apprehend a suspect who had reportedly escaped into the water.

The body of one of the officers was subsequently recovered from the river, while the second officer was rescued and rushed to a hospital for medical attention.

Suspect Escapes Through River

According to community sources, the incident began after a suspected drug offender who had reportedly been apprehended on the opposite side of the river allegedly jumped into the water while being taken towards the River Ethiope Bridge.

The suspect was said to have entered the river in an attempt to evade the officers.

The NDLEA personnel reportedly pursued him into the water, but the operation quickly turned dangerous as one of the officers drowned while another struggled in the river before being rescued.

The suspect and other individuals reportedly being pursued were said to have escaped through the river.

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Community Performs Traditional Rites

Following the recovery of the officer’s remains, community sources said traditional rites associated with drowning incidents were performed in Obiaruku before the body was released to the relevant authorities.

The sources said the rites included the provision of a goat and other items in accordance with local customs surrounding drowning incidents.

The circumstances surrounding the officers’ decision to enter the river, as well as the precise sequence of events leading to the drowning, remain subject to investigation.

NDLEA, Police Respond

Sources within the NDLEA assured residents that a thorough investigation would be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State, Bright Edafe, also appealed to residents to remain calm as authorities work to establish what happened.

The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by law-enforcement personnel during operations, particularly when suspects attempt to escape through difficult or hazardous terrain.

Further details on the identities of the officers, the condition of the surviving officer and the outcome of the investigation were not immediately available.