The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Army have arrested five suspects in a major joint operation, including a 46-year-old patent medicine vendor and a 25-year-old supermarket owner, with 11,297 capsules of tramadol and other hard drugs in Edo State.
The suspects – Akam Theophilus (medicine store owner), Ashitor Godfrey (supermarket owner), Asemota Endurance, Franklin Kijie, and Smart Ekhaitor, were picked up during coordinated raids on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Recovered exhibits include, 11,297 capsules of tramadol, 400 tablets of diazepam, 108 tablets of Swinol, 22 tablets of Danabol (Molly), 3.685kg of cannabis, 181 grammes of Loud, 7 grammes of methamphetamine and 10 bottles of codeine cough syrup.
Announcing the bust, Edo State NDLEA Commander, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the operation highlights growing synergy between the agency and the military.
“The locations raided include a patent medicine shop near the S&T Barracks, a supermarket opposite Ekenwan Barracks and the notorious Obagie area, off Sapele Road, Benin City,” he said.
Ofoyeju quoted the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), as directing a total crackdown on drug criminals in the state.
“I have been mandated by the Chairman to take drug criminals out of the State. Drugs are a catalyst of crime. Anyone hiding under the canopy of a patent medicine shop or a supermarket to peddle tramadol, Swinol, diazepam, codeine cough syrup and cannabis will not go unpunished. This is totally unacceptable, and the law must take its full course.”
He added, “These operations send a clear and unequivocal message to drug traffickers and dealers, especially those who operate around sensitive installations like barracks, believing it offers them a shield. There is no safe haven.”
The NDLEA boss warned that targeting youths with illicit substances is an attack on the nation’s future, and vowed that the agency will continue dismantling drug networks across Edo State.
All suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court as soon as investigations are concluded.
