The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced impressive results for the year 2025, arresting no fewer than 462 suspected drug traffickers and confiscating a staggering 207,595.54 kilograms of various illicit substances.
Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander, revealed these figures on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, while presenting the command's scorecard in Benin City. He described the achievements as a "substantial leap" in intelligence-led operations, legal prosecutions, and drug demand reduction efforts.
The arrests included 309 males and 153 females, with suspects originating from various states: Edo (207), Delta (84), Benue (23), Akwa Ibom (21), Katsina (14), and 12 each from Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Enugu.
Drug Seizures Breakdown (Total: 207,595.54 kg):
A major highlight was the destruction of 45 cannabis sativa farms covering 77.5122 hectares across multiple local government areas. These farms had an estimated potential yield of 193,491.1568 kg of illicit drugs.
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA Edo Command prioritized drug demand reduction, providing quick intervention counselling to 300 drug-dependent individuals to aid their reintegration into society. The agency also ran extensive public enlightenment campaigns to educate communities on the health and societal risks of drug abuse and trafficking.
Dr. Ofoyeju emphasized the command's resolve:
“Our unwavering commitment to combating drug cultivation, trafficking and abuse will continue to be a top priority. Together with our partners, we will work tirelessly to ensure a safer Edo State for all.”
Looking ahead to 2026, he outlined key strategic focuses: identifying drug warehouses, intercepting illicit shipments, dismantling drug bunks, and apprehending drug barons.
These results underscore the NDLEA's intensified efforts to disrupt drug networks in Edo State, one of Nigeria's key hotspots for cannabis cultivation and trafficking, contributing to broader national security and public health goals.
Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander, revealed these figures on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, while presenting the command's scorecard in Benin City. He described the achievements as a "substantial leap" in intelligence-led operations, legal prosecutions, and drug demand reduction efforts.
The arrests included 309 males and 153 females, with suspects originating from various states: Edo (207), Delta (84), Benue (23), Akwa Ibom (21), Katsina (14), and 12 each from Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Enugu.
Drug Seizures Breakdown (Total: 207,595.54 kg):
- Cannabis Sativa: 207,206.08 kg (the largest portion)
- Cocaine: 0.0601 kg
- Heroin: 0.029 kg
- Methamphetamine: 1.50103 kg
- Psychotropic Substances: 183.0699 kg
- Codeine-Based Syrup: 204.8 litres
A major highlight was the destruction of 45 cannabis sativa farms covering 77.5122 hectares across multiple local government areas. These farms had an estimated potential yield of 193,491.1568 kg of illicit drugs.
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA Edo Command prioritized drug demand reduction, providing quick intervention counselling to 300 drug-dependent individuals to aid their reintegration into society. The agency also ran extensive public enlightenment campaigns to educate communities on the health and societal risks of drug abuse and trafficking.
Dr. Ofoyeju emphasized the command's resolve:
“Our unwavering commitment to combating drug cultivation, trafficking and abuse will continue to be a top priority. Together with our partners, we will work tirelessly to ensure a safer Edo State for all.”
Looking ahead to 2026, he outlined key strategic focuses: identifying drug warehouses, intercepting illicit shipments, dismantling drug bunks, and apprehending drug barons.
These results underscore the NDLEA's intensified efforts to disrupt drug networks in Edo State, one of Nigeria's key hotspots for cannabis cultivation and trafficking, contributing to broader national security and public health goals.
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