Benin City, Edo State — October 31, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
The Edo State Police Command has announced the commencement of a formal investigation into the death of a 16-year-old boy who was reportedly killed during a clash between operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and suspected drug dealers in a community within Edo State. The incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday, as NDLEA operatives carried out a raid in the affected locality.
According to official statements, the teenager died following a confrontation in which NDLEA agents allegedly engaged with armed suspects in the community. The police have described the event as a “disturbing outcome” of the operation and said they are committed to establishing the full sequence of events, including any use of force or other breaches of procedure.
Residents of the community say tensions had been rising for weeks as rumours circulated of illicit drug distribution in their area. Some community members claim that the NDLEA raid involved an exchange of gunfire and that the teenage boy may have been caught in the cross-fire or targeted in error. Other reports suggest the young victim may have been inadvertently swept up during the operation. At this time, police have not confirmed the exact cause of death or whether NDLEA operatives are formally implicated.
In response to the incident, the NDLEA has not yet issued a detailed public comment, but the agency is known to be cooperating with the police investigation. The Edo State Police Command has assured the public that forensic experts and operatives have been deployed to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review any footage from the operation. The police also said they will determine whether any arrests are warranted or any charges should be filed in connection with the teenager’s death.
The Legislative Speaker of Edo State has expressed deep concern at the development, calling for “full transparency and accountability” in the handling of the case. With public trust at stake, local political and civil society actors are urging renewed attention to the oversight of security operations in communities and the protection of minors from collateral harm during enforcement actions.
This incident lands amid growing national debate over NDLEA’s operational methods, especially in urban and peri-urban communities where enforcement meets densely populated areas. Critics argue that heavy-handed raids can heighten risks for bystanders, while enforcement agencies contend they are operating under difficult conditions against sophisticated illicit networks.
As of now, the police investigation remains ongoing. Residents in the community are described as anxious, and some parents have reportedly kept children from attending school in the aftermath. The mood is one of apprehension and calls for swift justice.