Edo NDLEA Arrest 75, Seizes 16.8 Tones of Drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has arrested 75 suspected drug traffickers and seized or destroyed 16,818.17 kilogrammes of illicit drugs in October 2026, as its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), charged the command to intensify its crackdown on drug cartels operating in the state.

Marwa gave the charge during his official visit to the command, urging officers to sustain intelligence-led operations and dismantle trafficking networks.

The Edo State Commander, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, described the visit as a morale booster, assuring that the command would intensify its anti-drug operations.

Ofoyeju disclosed that the command arrested 54 males and 21 females during the month under review, while seizing 2,496.11791kg of illicit substances.

He added that eight cannabis farms measuring 5.728819 hectares, with an estimated yield of 14,322.0475kg, were identified and destroyed across the state.

According to the commander, the seizures included 2,492.6973kg of Cannabis Sativa, 3.2169kg of psychotropic substances, 0.20371kg of methamphetamine, 35 cylinders of nitrous oxide, six cups of brownies and 4.1 litres of codeine syrup.

“The Chairman’s visit is a moral booster to us, and I am glad to do more,” Ofoyeju stated.

He identified the impoundment of a black Toyota Camry at Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area, as one of the major seizures recorded in October.

Ofoyeju said the vehicle was conveying 1,049 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing 702.83kg, adding that three suspects, identified as Monday Orji, 52; Monday Lawal, 40; and Precious Uduegele, 20, comprising two males and a female, were arrested.

The commander further disclosed that the destroyed cannabis farms were located in Uzebba Forest, Ukhuise-Osi Community and Ugbada Forest in Owan West; Ugboshi Ele Forest in Akoko Edo; and Eco Camp, Illushi, in Esan South-East Local Government Area.

On prosecution, he said the command secured 6 convictions and filed 14 cases in court, while 103 cases remained pending.

Ofoyeju also said the command’s Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit counselled 47 clients, comprising 33 males and 14 females, while 12 others were undergoing rehabilitation and vocational training in tailoring, embroidery, perfume making and liquid soap production.

He added that the command conducted 10 sensitisation programmes across schools, worship centres, markets and public places in Benin City, reaching 5,293 persons.

The commander, who noted that the month was relatively peaceful despite reported cult clashes and kidnapping incidents in Ekpoma, Ubiaja, Uromi, Auchi and along the Ibillo-Auchi-Igarra road in Akoko-Edo, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating illicit drugs.

“We will continue to work hard to rid Edo State of illicit drugs. A drug-abuse-free society is priceless,” Ofoyeju said.