NDLEA Cross River Commander dies, One Month after deployment

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the sudden death of its Cross River State Commander, CN Ogbonna Maurice Uzoma.

His death was confirmed to the agency’s chairman and chief executive officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), while he was attending a retreat for heads of agencies in Maiduguri, Borno State, organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Uzoma, who assumed duty in Cross River on August 18, 2025, had been staying in a hotel in Calabar pending his relocation to a permanent residence. According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the commander was expected to lead his team for official engagements by 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 18. When he failed to respond to calls and knocks on his door, officers and hotel staff forced entry into his room through the ceiling and discovered his lifeless body.

The state police command was immediately alerted, with the Commissioner of Police visiting the scene. Investigations into the cause of death are ongoing.

To support the investigation and ensure smooth operations in the state, Marwa directed the Zonal Commander, Zone 14, ACGN Mathew Ewah, to relocate to Calabar.

While consoling the bereaved family, Marwa expressed deep sorrow over the loss, assuring them of the agency’s support. He prayed for God’s comfort and for the late commander’s soul to rest in peace.