The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has described its April operational scorecard as impressive, with the arrest of twenty-nine suspected drug traffickers and a seizure of ten thousand, three hundred and fifty-nine kilograms (10,359.71kg) of various narcotic drugs. According to the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, the period under review was marked by decisive operational results in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Commander Mitchell said that the 29 suspected drug traffickers, comprising 19 males and 10 females, were apprehended during targeted raids on various drug flashpoints across the state as well as motorized patrols. He gave the breakdown of 10,359.71kg of assorted narcotics as follows: cannabis 9,611.69 kg, psychotropic substances, 748.02kg. Others are tramadol 444kg, rohypnol, 25.2 kg, diazepam injection, 242.82kg, bromazepam, 36kg, methamphetamine, 0.00kg, and codeine syrup. 20.2 litres.
In a proactive measure against illegal cultivation, the NDLEA also identified and destroyed a cannabis farm located at Egbeta Forest Saboro Camp in Ovia North East Local Government Area, measuring 0.912574 hectares, which is estimated to yield approximately 2,281.435 kg of cannabis.
Some of the spectacular seizures that attracted the swift commendation of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (RTD) CON, include the interception of two articulated trucks laden with cannabis on April 11, 2026. Both trucks were found to be conveying 483 sacks of skunk cannabis weighing 7,245kg concealed among packs of alcoholic beverages. They reportedly left Sabongida-Ora heading to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, when they were intercepted along Auchi-Abuja Road. Five suspected drug traffickers were arrested with both trucks.
Similarly, on April 22, another truck branded Nigeria Labour Congress conveying tramadol and other psychotropic substances was flagged down along the Lagos-Benin Road. Upon search, it was found to contain various substances weighing 748.02kg. Two suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizure.
The command’s prosecution unit secured five convictions and filed four new charges within the month. Currently, 89 cases remain pending in the Federal High Court in Benin City, reflecting the ongoing legal battle against drug-related offences.
Determined to address drug demand, the command provided counselling services to 13 referred clients, releasing them to their families while continuing rehabilitation programmes for 12 others. The unit conducted seven sensitisation programmes aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, underscored the commitment of the NDLEA to dismantling drug trafficking cartels across Edo State, vowing to intensify operational efforts and community engagement.
