NDLEA Edo Command Seizes N1.8 Billion Worth of Illicit Drugs in First Quarter 2026
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a significant breakthrough in its anti-narcotics operations, seizing illicit drugs with an estimated street value of N1.8 billion during the first three months of 2026. This announcement was made by State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju during the presentation of the command's first-quarter operational scorecard in Benin City.
Massive Drug Haul and Arrests
According to Commander Ofoyeju, the command recovered a total of 18,380 kilograms of narcotics from 104 suspected drug traffickers. The operations, which were intelligence-led, resulted in the arrest of 71 males and 33 females. The seized drugs included 5,825 kilograms of cannabis, with an additional 12,556 kilograms destroyed across 10 cannabis farms spanning 5.02260 hectares.
The detailed breakdown of the confiscated substances is as follows:
- Cannabis: 18,293 kilograms
- Psychotropic substances: 6.01 kilograms
- Methamphetamine: 0.1888 kilograms
- Cocaine: 0.023 kilograms
- Heroin: 0.0151 kilograms
- Codeine cough syrup: 81.4 litres
Ofoyeju emphasized the scale of the operation, stating, "The Edo State Command of NDLEA has apprehended 104 suspected drug traffickers with 18,380kg of narcotics estimated to cost N1.8 billion."
Legal Convictions and Rehabilitation Efforts
In addition to the seizures, the command secured 36 convictions at the Federal High Court in Benin City. Those convicted comprised 32 males and four females, underscoring the agency's commitment to prosecuting drug-related offenses. The command also intensified its anti-drug abuse education initiatives, conducting 26 programmes to raise awareness about the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse.
Rehabilitation efforts were a key focus, with 28 drug-dependent clients successfully rehabilitated and 66 others receiving counselling before being reunited with their families. These measures highlight the NDLEA's holistic approach to combating drug abuse through both enforcement and support services.
Awards and Recognition for Outstanding Performance
In line with the award culture promoted by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa, the command recognized 10 officers, four journalists, and one legal aid lawyer for their exceptional contributions to the fight against narcotics. The awards were instituted to motivate personnel and strengthen partnerships essential to the agency's success.
The awardees included:
- DCN Timothy Nku – Best Area Commander
- DCN Hope Aigbogun – Best WADA Facilitator
- ACN Ella Ordiah – Best Prosecutor
- CSN Habibu Dauda – Most Productive Officer
- ASNI Omakor Isioma Uyoyomaro – Most Resourceful Officer
- ASNI Omotosho Abass – Best Investigating Officer
- ASNII Abdulazeez Oboh Azeko – Most Dedicated Officer
- ASNII James Magani – Most Diligent Officer
- CNA Emuakpor Obada – Most Disciplined Officer
- NASSI Paul Umoh – Best-Dressed Officer
The command also honored its Best Media Partners for 2025, recognizing Adeyinka Adedipe of The Punch Newspapers, Bello Usman of Daily Trust Newspapers, Nafeesa Bello of the Edo Broadcasting Service, and Usman Aliyu of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Additionally, legal aid officer Mrs. Agbako Afamefune of Breakthrough Legal Consults was celebrated for her contribution to legal jurisprudence by assisting accused persons unable to afford representation.
Launch of NDLEA Edo State Command Magazine
The event featured the official release of the maiden edition of the NDLEA Edo State Command's magazine. This publication is designed to document the command's activities, share success stories, and educate the public on the perils of illicit drug use. It serves as a tool for transparency and community engagement in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
The NDLEA's efforts in Edo State demonstrate a robust and multi-faceted strategy to curb drug abuse, combining enforcement, education, rehabilitation, and recognition of key stakeholders.
