The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Thursday incinerated 73,463.21 kilograms of confiscated illegal drugs in Benin, dealing what officials called a “significant setback” to drug trafficking networks operating in the region.
The destroyed substances carry an estimated street value of ₦2.8 billion and were seized during multiple intelligence-led raids across Edo State. The exercise, conducted under a Federal High Court order, underscores the agency’s escalating campaign to cut off the supply of narcotics before they reach Nigerian streets and schools.
Speaking at the destruction site, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), represented by Director of Operations and General Investigation Suleiman Ahmed-Ningi, said the operation was more than a disposal exercise.
“This is a statement of resolve,” Marwa stated. “Every gram destroyed today is a potential life saved. Without the courage and vigilance of our officers, these drugs would have ended up in the lungs, veins, and bloodstreams of our young people.”
Cannabis made up the bulk of the haul at 73,210.23kg. The remainder included 246.36 kg of psychotropic substances such as tramadol, diazepam, and codeine-based syrups, plus 2.662 kg of methamphetamine, 3.7441 kg of cocaine, and 0.2168 kg of heroin.
Marwa noted that the presence of hard drugs like cocaine, heroin, and meth points to Edo’s continued exposure to international trafficking routes. He described substance abuse as a “silent destroyer” that strips youth of potential and leaves lasting economic and emotional damage on families.
Edo NDLEA Commander Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju said the exhibits were recovered through sustained operations that uncovered cannabis farms, raided hidden warehouses, and intercepted articulated trucks used for smuggling. Some seizures were made in unconventional hideouts, including shrines. Suspects arrested span multiple age groups and genders, he added, noting that operatives have endured armed attacks in the line of duty.
“The war on drugs cannot be won by NDLEA alone,” Ofoyeju said. “Traditional rulers, religious leaders, schools, parents, and civil society must act together. Giving children education and comfort means nothing if we don’t shield them from addiction.”
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by Chairperson of the Edo Drug Control Committee Mrs. Edesili Anani, called the drug trade a direct driver of kidnapping, banditry, and public health crises.
“This is not just about burning drugs. It’s a fight for the soul of our state,” Anani said. She disclosed that the state government plans to build a modern rehabilitation center for people recovering from substance use disorders and pledged full partnership with the NDLEA. “Traffickers should exit Edo. We will not stop until every gram is seized and destroyed.”
Senator Joseph Ikpea, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, commended the agency’s operatives for “filling dangerous gaps” despite funding challenges. He promised stronger legislative and budgetary support for welfare, equipment, and legal backing.
“Every bag of cannabis and every satchet of tramadol destroyed today equals lives spared from catastrophe,” Ikpea said.
Marwa reaffirmed that the NDLEA will continue tracking traffickers and dismantling supply chains while expanding public awareness campaigns. He urged communities to treat drug abuse as a shared responsibility, warning that traffickers will face relentless pursuit until Nigerian communities are safe from narcotics.
The agency said similar destruction exercises will continue nationwide as part of its strategy to permanently remove seized drugs from circulation and deter criminal networks.
