Edo NDLEA Nabs 49 Suspected Drug Traffickers, Elevates 73 Officers

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

EDO, BENIN CITY – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has arrested 49 suspected drug traffickers 29 women and 20 men and seized 2,596.29 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs as part of its sustained crackdown on drug-related crimes in the state.

The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Thursday while presenting the command’s July 2026 operational scorecard during the decoration ceremony for 73 newly promoted officers and personnel at the NDLEA Edo State Command Headquarters in Benin City.

Addressing officers, stakeholders and guests at the ceremony, Ofoyeju said the higher number of female suspects arrested was a worrying development that points to increasing socio-economic vulnerability among women and the erosion of traditional family values.

According to him, the command is already developing strategies aimed at re-orienting families and communities to address the trend.

“The Edo State Command successfully arrested 49 suspected drug traffickers with a seizure of 2,596.29 kilogrammes in July 2026.

“We observed that females topped the list of persons arrested with 29, while males were 20. This is concerning because it highlights a shift in the socio-economic vulnerability of women and a breakdown of traditional family stability,” he said.

Providing a breakdown of the seizures, the commander said cannabis accounted for the largest volume with 2,588.4 kilograms, followed by 6.13 kilograms of psychotropic substances, 1.68 kilograms of methamphetamine, 0.071 kilograms of cocaine and 0.005 kilograms of heroin.

He added that operatives also recovered 15.3 litres of codeine cough syrup and 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas.

Ofoyeju said the command recorded significant operational successes during the month, including the discovery of three drug warehouses, two in Benin City and one at Illushi.

He further disclosed that two vehicles allegedly used for transporting cannabis, a Toyota Sienna with registration number Ondo NND 975 AG and a Toyota Camry with registration number Edo BEN 503 BK were intercepted.

In its campaign against illicit cultivation, the commander said the agency destroyed a cannabis plantation measuring approximately 0.640903 hectares in the Egbisi Forest, Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

According to him, the farm was estimated to produce about 1,602.26 kilograms of cannabis, and its destruction dealt a major blow to illegal drug production in the state.

The command also secured convictions in four drug-related cases during the period, while 24 persons suffering from drug dependence received counselling and were reunited with their families as part of the agency’s drug demand reduction programme.

Speaking on the promotion exercise, Ofoyeju congratulated the 73 newly promoted officers and men, describing the exercise as a reward for diligence, integrity and exceptional performance rather than an automatic entitlement.

He attributed the improved operational performance and high morale among personnel to the annual promotion policy introduced by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd).

He urged the beneficiaries to justify their elevation through greater dedication to duty, integrity and exemplary leadership.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. Your new rank is a call to higher service. The public is watching, and the command expects your performance to increase.

“As NDLEA officers, our moral authority is our greatest weapon. You cannot fight drug barons without zero tolerance for indiscipline and corruption.

“As you move up the ladder of your career, be prepared to train, guide and mentor your subordinates. That is how institutions become stronger,” he said.

Ofoyeju also expressed appreciation to the families of officers for their sacrifices and support, noting that their encouragement contributes significantly to the successes recorded by the command.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against drug trafficking and abuse across Edo State while strengthening preventive and rehabilitation efforts.