The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported a significant crackdown on drug trafficking in 2025, with the arrest of 462 suspected drug traffickers and the seizure of 207,595.54 kilograms of illicit drugs. According to Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander of the agency, the arrests were made possible through targeted operations aimed at curbing the drug trade in the state.
The arrested suspects comprise 309 males and 153 females, with the majority hailing from Edo State (207), followed by Delta (84), and Benue (23). Other states with notable numbers of arrested suspects include Akwa Ibom (21), Katsina (14), and Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Enugu States (12 each).
In addition to the arrests, the NDLEA command destroyed 45 cannabis sativa farms, spanning 77.5122 hectares across various local government areas, with an estimated yield of 193,491.1568 kilograms of illicit drugs. The command also seized 13,714.9233 kilograms of processed cannabis and impounded 12 vehicles used as instrumentalities of drug crimes. A total of 66 convictions were secured, with 104 cases still pending at the Federal High Court.
The seized drugs include cannabis sativa (207,206.08 kilograms), cocaine (0.0601 kilograms), heroin (0.029 kilograms), methamphetamine (1.50103 kilograms), psychotropic substances (183.0699 kilograms), and codeine-based syrup (204.8 liters). The command’s efforts have resulted in significant reductions in drug cultivation, trafficking, and abuse in the state.
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA command has undertaken vital drug demand reduction activities, providing quick intervention counseling services to 300 drug-dependent individuals. The command has also carried out extensive public enlightenment campaigns to raise awareness about the health risks and societal dangers associated with drug abuse and trafficking.
Looking ahead to 2026, the NDLEA command has outlined four strategic missions to combat drug trafficking in the state, including the identification of drug warehouses, interception of illicit drug shipments, dislodgement of drug bunks, and the apprehension of drug barons. With its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking cartels, the command aims to ensure a safer Edo State for all. The successes of the NDLEA command in 2025 serve as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, effective legal prosecution, and drug demand reduction initiatives in combating the drug trade.
