FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Edo State Command arrested 26 suspected drug traffickers with 41,410.53 kilogrammes of various narcotic drugs.
The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this in Benin City, while presenting the August 2025 progress report, noted that the command intensified operations, leading to numerous arrests, significant drug seizures, cannabis farm destruction and crucial anti-drug abuse initiatives.
According to Ofoyeju, “The achievements were remarkable and underscore our proactive approach towards curbing drug-related crimes in Edo State.
The 26 persons apprehended comprise 22 males and four females.
“A total of 41,410.53 kilogrammes of narcotics were sized with cannabis accounting for over 99 percent of the seized drugs (41,387.36 kilogrammes).
Others are Tramadol 22.253 kilogrammes, Swinol 0.3085 kilogrammes, Danabol 0.0117 kilogrammes, Diazepam 0.5163 kilogrammes, Methamphetamine 0.0811 kilogrammes. There was also 400ml of Pentazocine and 10 litres of Codeine cough syrup.”
Ofoyeju said the command destroyed four illegal cannabis plantations in Ebule Forest, Owan West Local Government Area, covering a total area of 15.852732 hectares, adding that the destroyed farm had an estimated yield of approximately 39,631.83kg of cannabis.
“Prominent among the arrests and seizures was the evacuation of 69 bags of skunk, a strong strain of cannabis from a three-bedroom apartment. “
The command also raided a notorious drug location at RCC Junction, Sapele Road, Benin City, where three suspected drug traffickers were arrested with 2.05kg of cannabis, 46 grammes of methamphetamine, five grammes of Danabol, 52 grammes of Swinol, 745 grammes of tramadol and 0.4 litres of Codeine.
The suspects are Itua Oselumen, 41 years old from Esan West; Rabiu Yusuf, 38 years old from Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State; and Fahad Ahmed, 24 years old, who hails from Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The commander stated that as a result of the court vacation, no conviction was recorded in August; however, six charges were filed at the Federal High Court, Benin City. This commitment to legal proceedings highlights the agency’s dedication to ensure justice for drug-related offences.
In addition to enforcement activities, the command engaged in significant drug demand reduction efforts. 13 clients received counselling services, while 11 are currently undergoing rehabilitation.
The command also held sensitisation programmes across various locations, reaching hundreds of individuals. Key events include Community-based campaigns at Mesh Primary and Secondary School and Grace Baptist Church, as well as the Police Officers Wives Association and the National Petroleum Corporation youth programmes.
“These initiatives are pivotal in promoting awareness and educating the public about the dangers of drug abuse, thereby fostering a healthier community,” he stressed.
