The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended no fewer than 104 suspected drug traffickers in possession of 18,380 kilogrammes of narcotics estimated to cost N1.8 billion.
This was disclosed by the Edo State commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, while presenting the command’s first-quarter operational scorecard yesterday in Benin City, the state capital.
According to Commander Ofoyeju, those arrested during various intelligence-led raids comprised 71 males and 33 females. He also explained that 18,380kg of drugs were recovered, including 5,825kg seized and a whopping 12.556kg of cannabis destroyed in 10 cannabis farms, measuring 5.02260 hectares.
The breakdown of the drugs is as follows: cannabis, 18,293kg; psychotropic, 6.01kg; methamphetamine, 0.1888kg; cocaine, 0.023kg; heroin, 0.0151kg; and codeine cough syrup, 81.4 litres.
He said, “Justice dispensation also led to 36 convictions secured at the Federal High Court, Benin City, comprising 32 males and four females. The command also intensified anti-drug abuse education with a total of 26 programmes to highlight the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse. Twenty-eight drug-dependent clients were rehabilitated, while 66 others received counselling and were reunited with their families.
“In line with the award culture of the NDLEA chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), 10 officers, four journalists and one legal aid lawyer were recognised for their outstanding performance in advancing the fight against narcotic drugs.”
Ofoyeju, while highlighting the command’s operational achievements and strategic efforts, emphasised that the awards were instituted to motivate officers and strengthen partnerships critical to the agency’s success.
The awardees include: DCN Timothy Nku, Best Area Commander; DCN Hope Aigbogun, Best WADA Facilitator; while ACN Ella Ordiah was awarded Best Prosecutor. CSN Habibu Dauda was named Most Productive Officer; ASNI Omakor Isioma Uyoyomaro was awarded Most Resourceful Officer, and ASNI Omotosho Abass got the Best Investigating Officer award.
Other officers celebrated: ASNII Abdulazeez Oboh Azeko, recognised as Most Dedicated Officer; ASNII James Magani, Most Diligent Officer; CNA Emuakpor Obada, Most Disciplined Officer; and NASSI Paul Umoh, named Best-Dressed Officer.
In a significant move acknowledging the role of the media in the fight against drug abuse, the command also presented awards to its Best Media Partners for 2025. The recipients are Adeyinka Adedipe of The Punch Newspapers; Bello Usman of Daily Trust Newspapers; Nafeesa Bello of the Edo Broadcasting Service; and Usman Aliyu of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Similarly, a legal aid lawyer, Mrs. Agbako Afamefune of Breakthrough Legal Consults, was recognised for contributions towards legal jurisprudence in drug cases by assisting accused persons who couldn’t afford legal representation.
Ofoyeju praised the award-winning journalists for their consistent, fair, and insightful coverage of the NDLEA’s activities, which he said has been instrumental in raising public awareness and fostering community support.
The event also featured the official release of the maiden edition of the NDLEA Edo State Command’s magazine. The publication is designed to document the command’s activities, share success stories, and educate the public on the dangers of illicit drug use.
“Today, we celebrate dedication, resourcefulness, and fruitful collaboration. The award recipients represent the best of our collective resolve to secure a drug-free society. The release of our magazine also marks a new chapter in our public engagement,” the commander said.
Officers who marked their birthdays within the period under review were also celebrated with the cutting of a birthday cake.
