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BREAKING : NDLEA Commander Found Dead in Hotel Room

The Cross River State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Morrison Ogbonna, was on Thursday morning discovered dead in his hotel room in Calabar, sending shockwaves across the state’s security community.

According to reports, Ogbonna’s body was found by his officers, who had gone to pick him up for an official engagement.

How He Was Found

A security source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the discovery was made after officers repeatedly tried to reach their commander without success.

“This morning, some officers went to the hotel to pick him up. When they didn’t get any response, they alerted the hotel management, who opened the room and found him lifeless,” the source explained.

The incident has left many of his subordinates in shock, as the late commander had been actively coordinating NDLEA operations in the state just days earlier.

Recently Posted to Cross River

Ogbonna only assumed duty in August 2025, following his redeployment from another command to replace Rachel Umebuali. His tenure in Cross River was expected to usher in renewed efforts in tackling the state’s rising drug abuse and trafficking challenges, particularly along its porous border routes.

He had reportedly been reviewing operational strategies and engaging with stakeholders in the fight against narcotics, before his sudden death cut short his plans.

Police Confirmation

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the development. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo-Obase, while responding to inquiries, said the circumstances of his death had not yet been fully established.

“I can confirm that this is true, but what led to his death is something I cannot readily disclose,” she said.

No official statement has yet been issued by the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, but insiders say the agency has been thrown into mourning.

A Blow to NDLEA’s Operations

The NDLEA has in recent years intensified its fight against drug trafficking, with its operatives conducting raids, arrests, and destruction of illicit substances across Nigeria. Commanders play a key role in these operations, often coordinating intelligence, field activities, and community engagement.

Ogbonna’s sudden death, so early into his posting, is seen as a major setback for the agency’s efforts in Cross River, a state regarded as a strategic hub due to its proximity to international borders and waterways.

Mixed Reactions Among Officers and Stakeholders

Officers who worked closely with Ogbonna described him as committed and energetic. “He came with fresh ideas and a strong determination to curb drug trafficking in Cross River. This is a huge loss, not only to NDLEA but to Nigeria’s anti-narcotics fight,” one official said.

Civil society organisations working on drug abuse prevention in the state also expressed concern. “His passing leaves a vacuum. We hope the NDLEA will act quickly to ensure that ongoing operations are not disrupted,” a representative of a Calabar-based NGO said.

Cause of Death Still Unknown

As at the time of filing this report, the cause of Ogbonna’s death had not been disclosed. Some speculate that he may have died of natural causes, while others are calling for a full investigation to rule out foul play.

His body has reportedly been taken to a morgue in Calabar for further examination, pending an autopsy.

Looking Ahead

The NDLEA is expected to announce an interim head for the Cross River command while investigations continue. Until then, questions remain about the exact circumstances of Ogbonna’s death and the implications for ongoing anti-drug operations in the state.

For many within the agency and beyond, the late commander’s untimely death is a reminder of the uncertainties and pressures that come with frontline security work.