NDLEA Seizes N1.8bn Illicit Drugs in Edo Within Three Months

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has seized illicit drugs worth N1.8 billion in the first quarter of the year.

The command’s commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the first-quarter operational scorecard in Benin City. He said a total of 18,380 kilogrammes of drugs were recovered from 104 suspected drug traffickers between January and March.

According to Ofoyeju, those arrested during intelligence-led raid operations comprised 71 males and 33 females. The drugs recovered included 5,825 kilogrammes seized, while 12,556 kilogrammes of cannabis were destroyed on 10 farms covering approximately five hectares.

A breakdown of the seizures showed cannabis accounted for 18,293 kilogrammes, while psychotropic substances, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin made up smaller quantities. The command also recovered 81.4 litres of codeine cough syrup.

Ofoyeju further disclosed that the agency secured 36 convictions at the Federal High Court in Benin City during the period, with 32 males and four females sentenced.

The commander also highlighted the command’s efforts in drug demand reduction, noting that 26 anti-drug abuse education programmes were conducted to raise awareness on the dangers of substance abuse. He added that 28 drug-dependent clients were rehabilitated, while 66 others received counselling and were reunited with their families.

In line with the recognition culture of the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), the command honoured 10 officers, four journalists, and one legal aid lawyer for their contributions to the fight against drug trafficking.

Award recipients included DCN Timothy Nku as Best Area Commander, DCN Hope Aigbogun as Best WADA Facilitator, and ACN Ella Ordiah as Best Prosecutor. CSN Habibu Dauda was named Most Productive Officer, while ASNI Omakor Isioma Uyoyomaro received the Most Resourceful Officer award.

The command also recognised its Best Media Partners for 2025, including representatives from The Punch Newspapers, Daily Trust, Edo Broadcasting Service, and the News Agency of Nigeria. A legal aid lawyer, Mrs Agbako Afamefune of Breakthrough Legal Consults, was honoured for assisting accused persons who could not afford legal representation.

The event also marked the release of the command’s maiden magazine, designed to document its activities, share success stories, and educate the public on the dangers of illicit drug use.

“Today, we celebrate dedication, resourcefulness, and fruitful collaboration. The award recipients represent the best of our collective resolve to secure a drug-free society. The release of our magazine also marks a new chapter in our public engagement,” Ofoyeju said.