NDLEA officer drowns chasing suspect

An unidentified officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reportedly drowned while pursuing a d.rug offender into the Ethiope River at Obiaruku in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State

The incident happened on Saturday during an operation to arrest d.rug offenders in the area.

According to reports, one of the offenders being taken towards the Ethiope River Bridge jumped into the river in an attempt to escape.

The officers reportedly followed him into the river. One of the officers was rescued and taken to hospital for treatment, while another drowned.

The offenders were also said to have escaped through the river.

The body of the officer was later recovered from the water.

Community sources said traditional rites associated with drowning incidents in the area were performed before the remains were handed over to the relevant authorities.

The identity of the officer had not been made public at the time of the report.