NDLEA BUSTS 46 SUSPECTED TRAFFICKERS, CONFISCATES 6.4 TONS OF DRUGS IN EDO

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Operatives of the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested 46 suspected drug traffickers and seized a total of 6,439 kilograms of narcotic substances.

NDLEA State Commander, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in Benin City while presenting the Command’s operational scorecard for January 2026. He noted that the arrests included 36 males and 10 females, marking a strong start to the year in Edo’s ongoing battle against illicit drugs.

One of the month’s notable seizures involved 66 bags of cannabis hidden inside charcoal, weighing 792 kilograms. Shaibu Yusuf was apprehended along the Auchi-Abuja Expressway while attempting to transport the drugs northward.

Dr. Ofoyeju also commended the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade in Benin City, led by Brigadier General A.O. Balogun, for their support. During the month, two suspects, Chief James Abamu and Aboy Egah, were transferred to the NDLEA along with 681 kg of cannabis and 181 kg of cannabis seeds. A joint NDLEA-military operation also destroyed a 1.625-hectare cannabis farm at Ebora Camp in Ilushi Forest, estimated to yield 4,063.87 kg of cannabis.

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The Command carried out intelligence-led raids across known drug hotspots, seizing a total of 6,439.4 kg of various narcotics, including:

6,438.31 kg of cannabis (4,063.87 kg destroyed on farms, 2,374.46 kg seized during raids)
0.7957 kg of psychotropic substances
0.0264 kg of methamphetamine
0.011 kg of cocaine
0.013 kg of heroin
3.5 litres of codeine-based syrup

Additionally, a light green Toyota Yaris (Reg. No. USL 123HK) was impounded during operations at Ihama Road GRA, Benin City, targeting key trafficking locations.

On the judicial front, the Edo Command secured seven convictions in January, with seven other cases charged and 105 pending cases before the Federal High Court in Benin City.

In efforts to combat drug abuse, the Command provided counselling services to 16 clients and rehabilitation support to seven others at the State headquarters. Anti-drug outreach continued with four sensitisation programmes conducted across the state.

Dr. Ofoyeju reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking and promoting a healthier, drug-free environment for Edo State residents.