The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced significant achievements in its fight against drug trafficking at the start of 2026, securing seven convictions, arresting 46 suspects, and seizing over 6,439 kilogrammes of illicit substances.
Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, presented the January operational scorecard in Benin City, describing the results as a promising start to the year. Of those arrested, 36 were men and 10 women.
Among the notable seizures was the interception of 66 bags of cannabis concealed in charcoal, weighing 792 kilogrammes, along the Auchi–Abuja Expressway. A suspect, Shaibu Yusuf, was apprehended while allegedly transporting the drugs northward.
Ofoyeju commended the Nigerian Army for its collaboration, noting that the 4 Brigade in Benin, under Brigadier General A. O. Balogun, handed over two suspects, Chief James Abamu, 48, and Aboy Egah, 31, along with 681 kilogrammes of cannabis and 181 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds. In a joint operation, NDLEA operatives and military personnel also destroyed a cannabis farm at Ebora Camp, Ilushi Forest, in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
The command’s breakdown showed cannabis accounted for the bulk of the seizures, with 6,438.31 kilogrammes recovered, including 4,063.87 kilogrammes destroyed on the farm and 2,374.46 kilogrammes seized during raids.
Other substances confiscated included psychotropic drugs, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and codeine-based syrup. A Toyota Yaris used in trafficking was also impounded in Benin’s GRA district.
On prosecution, seven convictions were secured in January, with seven new cases filed, while 105 cases remain pending before the Federal High Court in Benin. Beyond enforcement, the command intensified drug demand reduction efforts, counselling 16 clients and rehabilitating seven others. Four sensitisation programmes were conducted to raise awareness about drug abuse.
Commander Ofoyeju reaffirmed the agency’s commitment, stating: “We will remain resolute in our mission to combat drug-related crime and ensure a healthier, drug-free environment for the citizens of Edo State.”
