NDLEA Arrests 49 Suspected Drug Traffickers in Edo, Promotes 73 Personnel

The NDLEA Edo State Command has arrested 49 suspected drug traffickers, seized over 2.5 tonnes of illicit drugs and promoted 73 personnel for outstanding service. The agency also uncovered three drug warehouses and pledged to sustain its crackdown on drug trafficking across the state.

Daniel Momodu · July 31, 2026 · 54

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 49 suspected drug traffickers and seized 2,596.29 kilogrammes of illicit drugs during operations carried out in July. The command also decorated 73 newly promoted officers and personnel, describing the promotions as recognition of their dedication and outstanding service in the fight against drug trafficking.

Speaking at the decoration ceremony in Benin City, the State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that 29 of the suspects arrested were women, while 20 were men. He described the growing involvement of women in drug trafficking as a disturbing trend, attributing it to increasing socio-economic vulnerability and the erosion of traditional family structures.

Ofoyeju revealed that the command uncovered three suspected drug warehouses during the month, two in Benin City and another in Illushi. Operatives also intercepted two vehicles allegedly used to transport cannabis and destroyed a cannabis farm in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, estimated to produce more than 1,600 kilogrammes of the substance. Cannabis accounted for the bulk of the drugs seized, alongside cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, psychotropic substances, codeine syrup and nitrous oxide.

The commander added that the agency secured four convictions in drug-related cases during the period, describing the achievements as evidence of the command's sustained crackdown on drug trafficking networks across the state. He urged the newly promoted personnel to view their elevation as a call to greater responsibility, professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.

He also reaffirmed the NDLEA's commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations, public sensitisation and inter-agency collaboration to combat drug abuse and trafficking. According to him, the command will continue to strengthen enforcement efforts while encouraging communities to support the fight against illicit drugs.