NDLEA nabs 46 suspected traffickers with 6,439 kilograms of illicit drugs in Edo
Edo State NDLEA Arrests 46 Suspected Drug Traffickers, Seizes Over 6,000 Kilograms of Narcotics
Benin City, Edo — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State has reported the arrest of 46 suspected drug traffickers and the seizure of 6,439 kilograms of narcotic drugs.
Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander of the NDLEA, shared these details while presenting the agency’s operational scorecard for January 2026. Among those arrested were 36 men and 10 women.
Ofoyeju highlighted a significant seizure during the month, including 66 bags of cannabis concealed within charcoal bags, totaling 792 kilograms. This operation led to the arrest of Shaibu Yusuf along the Auchi-Abuja expressway while he was attempting to transport the drugs to northern Nigeria.
The NDLEA commander praised Brigadier General A. O. Balogun, the Commander of the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade in Benin City, for his support in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking. He noted that the 4 Brigade recently handed over two suspects, Chief James Abamu and Aboy Egah, who were in possession of 681 kilograms of cannabis and 181 kilograms of cannabis seeds.
In a coordinated effort, military personnel and NDLEA agents destroyed a cannabis farm located in Ebora Camp, Ilushi forest, which spanned 1.625547 hectares and was estimated to yield approximately 4,063.87 kilograms of cannabis.
Ofoyeju stated that the month was marked by numerous intelligence-led raids across known drug hotspots, reinforcing the command’s commitment to combating the illicit drug trade in the region.
The operational statistics revealed that the majority of the seizure consisted of cannabis, with 4,063.87 kilograms destroyed from the eradicated farm and an additional 2,374.46 kilograms obtained from raids. Other drugs seized included minor quantities of psychotropic substances, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and codeine-based syrup.
In January, the command secured seven convictions and filed seven additional charges, while 105 cases pending in the Federal High Court in Benin City reflect ongoing legal efforts against drug trafficking.
Ofoyeju emphasized the agency’s commitment to addressing drug abuse, stating that counseling services were provided to 16 clients, primarily males, with seven individuals currently undergoing rehabilitation at the State Command headquarters. Additionally, four sensitization programs aimed at raising awareness about drug abuse were conducted throughout the month.
