Benin City – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has recorded a major success in its fight against drug trafficking, arresting 46 suspected traffickers and seizing a total of 6,439 kilogrammes of illicit substances in January 2026.
Presenting the command’s operational scorecard for the month in Benin City, Edo State Commander, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the arrests marked a strong start to the agency’s 2026 operations. Of those apprehended, 36 were male and 10 female.
Highlighting one of the most significant seizures, Commander Ofoyeju revealed that 66 bags of cannabis, weighing 792 kilogrammes, were discovered concealed inside bags of charcoal.
The drugs were intercepted on the Auchi–Abuja Expressway, with suspect Shaibu Yusuf taken into custody while allegedly transporting the consignment northwards.
He commended the Nigerian Army, particularly Brigadier General A. O. Balogun, Commander of 4 Brigade, Benin, for supporting the anti-drug campaign. In one joint operation, the army handed over two suspects, Chief James Abamu, 48, and Aboy Egah, 31, along with 681 kilogrammes of cannabis and 181 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds to the NDLEA.
In further operations, NDLEA officers, working alongside military personnel, destroyed a cannabis farm located at Ebora Camp, Ilushi Forest, in Esan South East Local Government Area. The eradication covered 1.625547 hectares, with an estimated yield of 4,063.87 kilogrammes of cannabis, striking a significant blow to local cultivation networks.
A breakdown of the seized drugs showed that 6,438.31 kilogrammes were cannabis, comprising 4,063.87 kilogrammes destroyed on the farm and 2,374.46 kilogrammes recovered during raids. Other substances seized included 0.7957 kilogramme of psychotropic drugs, 0.0264 kilogramme of methamphetamine, 0.011 kilogramme of cocaine, 0.013 kilogramme of heroin, and 3.5 litres of codeine-based syrup.
On the legal front, the command secured seven convictions in January, with seven new cases charged to court. A total of 105 cases are currently pending before the Federal High Court in Benin.
Commander Ofoyeju also highlighted the agency’s efforts in drug demand reduction, noting that counselling services were provided to 16 clients, mostly male, while seven others are undergoing rehabilitation at the state command headquarters. Four drug abuse sensitisation programmes were conducted during the month to educate the public and reduce drug-related crimes.
“We will remain resolute in our mission to combat drug-related crime and ensure a healthier, drug-free environment for the citizens of Edo State,” he stated.
