The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has made a significant dent in drug trafficking operations, announcing the arrest of 104 suspected drug traffickers and the seizure of illicit substances valued at over N1.8 billion.
The announcement was made by the State Commander of the NDLEA, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, during a press briefing in Benin City on Tuesday, where he presented the command’s operational scorecard for the first quarter of 2026.
According to Dr. Ofoyeju, the suspects, comprising 71 males and 33 females, were apprehended through a series of intelligence-led operations conducted across the state. These operations led to the confiscation of 18,380 kilograms of suspected narcotics.
“I am pleased to report the apprehension of 104 suspected traffickers and the seizure of 18,380 kilograms of suspected narcotics,” Dr. Ofoyeju stated. “These arrests were made during various intelligence-led raid operations.”
A significant portion of the seized substances was cannabis sativa, with 5,825 kilograms confiscated. Additionally, NDLEA operatives destroyed approximately 5.02260 hectares of cannabis farmlands.
Dr. Ofoyeju emphasized that these operations send a clear message: Edo State will not be a safe haven for illicit drug activities.
A detailed breakdown of the seizures revealed the dominance of cannabis, totaling 18,293 kilograms. The NDLEA also seized 6.01 kilograms of suspected psychotropic substances, 0.1888 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, 0.023 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 0.0151 kilograms of suspected heroin, and 81.4 litres of codeine syrup.
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA Edo Command has also focused on prosecution and rehabilitation. Dr. Ofoyeju reported that 36 convictions were secured at the Federal High Court in Benin during the reporting period, with 32 males and four females convicted of drug-related offenses.
“Our prosecution efforts remain firm. We are committed to ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law,” Dr. Ofoyeju asserted.
In terms of demand reduction, the command conducted 26 anti-drug advocacy programs across various communities. They also rehabilitated 28 drug-dependent individuals and provided counseling to 66 others, successfully reintegrating them back into their families.
Dr. Ofoyeju stressed that the fight against drug abuse extends beyond arrests, highlighting the importance of prevention and rehabilitation.
“We are not just enforcing laws; we are rebuilding lives. Rehabilitation and counseling are critical components of our strategy.”
The NDLEA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining its efforts and emphasized the crucial role of partnerships with stakeholders and the public in dismantling drug networks. The agency continues to urge citizens to provide information that can aid in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.