The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Edo State, destroying cannabis farms, arresting 39 suspects, and seizing over 1.3 tonnes of illicit drugs in May alone.
Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Monday in Benin while presenting his first monthly operational report since assuming office.
According to Ofoyeju, the agency’s efforts led to the destruction of two cannabis farms located in Uzebba and Ohosu forests, situated in Owan West and Ovia South West Local Government Areas, respectively. The two farms covered a total of 0.783 hectares — with the Uzebba site accounting for 0.266 hectares and the Ohosu site 0.517 hectares.
He further revealed that a major breakthrough in the agency’s May operations came from an intelligence-led operation in Oke community, Ohunwude LGA, where officers intercepted 74 and a half bags of cannabis sativa weighing 1,115 kilograms.
“Two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure,” he said. “They are 33-year-old Isaac Israel from Abak LGA in Akwa Ibom State, and 19-year-old Precious Zion from Ogba LGA in Rivers State.”
In a separate operation in the Oluku area of Benin City, NDLEA operatives arrested an 18-year-old Nigerien, Mohammed Isah, for being in unlawful possession of multiple drugs. Items found with him included four grams of methamphetamine, 54 grams of cannabis sativa, six grams of 100mg tramadol tablets, and 28 grams of Exol-5 tablets.
Of the 39 suspects arrested during the agency’s May operations, 18 are male and 21 female, according to the NDLEA commander.
Ofoyeju warned that drug trafficking and abuse continue to pose serious challenges to security, healthcare, and investment in the state.
“Drug trafficking fuels violent crimes such as kidnapping, cultism, and armed robbery,” he noted. “This undermines public safety and discourages both local and foreign investments.”
He praised the efforts of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for prioritising the fight against crime, especially kidnapping and cultism, and stressed that tackling drug abuse is key to reducing criminal activities.
“Drug control is a major part of the state government’s strategy,” Ofoyeju said. “The Edo NDLEA Command will continue to support this vision by disrupting cannabis cultivation and trafficking networks.”
He emphasized that his directive from NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Retired), is clear: dismantle all drug trafficking syndicates and intensify the **War Against Drug Abuse (WADA)** campaign.
“We are committed to ensuring that Edo becomes a no-go zone for drug traffickers,” he said.
Ofoyeju also called for a united response to the growing drug menace. He urged communities, religious bodies, schools, and families to join hands in educating young people and preventing drug use.
He advocated for proactive policies, stronger community engagement, and better funding for drug control programmes.
“Fighting drug abuse is not just the job of the NDLEA. It is a responsibility we all share,” he said.
The latest developments come amid rising concern over drug use and its link to criminal activities in many parts of Nigeria, especially in the South-South and North Central regions. NDLEA continues to increase its operational tempo with regular raids, community sensitisation campaigns, and the arrest of suspected traffickers across the country.
