The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, says its operatives arrested no fewer than 462 suspected drug traffickers and seized a total of 207, 595.54 kilograms of illicit drugs in 2025.
According to reports, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander of the agency, disclosed this in Benin City, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, while presenting the scorecard of the Command for the outgoing year.
Ofoyeju gave the gender breakdown of the arrested suspects as 309 males and 153 females.
He also gave statistics of the arrested suspects according to their states of origin, including Edo 207, Delta 84, and Benue 23. Akwa Ibom has 21, Katsina 14, while Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Enugu States have 12 suspects each.
He opined that the arrests were a direct result of several targeted operations aimed at curbing the drug trade in the state.
Ofoyeju disclosed that the Command destroyed 45 cannabis sativa farms, spanning a total area of 77,5122 hectares across various local government areas in the state, and estimated the destroyed farms’ yield to be 193,491,1568 kg of illicit drugs.
He added that a total of 13,714.9233 kg of processed cannabis were also seized during raid operations while a total of 12 vehicles were impounded as instrumentalities of drug crimes within the period and a total of 66 convictions secured.
The NDLEA boss in the state further added that 104 cases were still pending at the Federal High Court.
According to him, the command reported significant seizures of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances with a total weight of 207,595.54 kg.
“This includes Cannabis Sativa: 207,206.08 kg, Cocaine: 0.0601 kg, Heroin: 0.029 kg, Methamphetamine: 1.50103 kg, Psychotropic Substances: 183.0699 kg and Codeine-Based Syrup: 204.8 litres.
“Cannabis constitutes the largest chunk of the drugs, with 207,206.08 kg. The Command successfully identified and destroyed 45 Cannabis sativa farms, spanning a total area of 77.5122 hectares across various local government areas, with an estimated yield of 193,491.1568 kg of illicit drugs, while 13,714.9233 kg of processed cannabis were seized during raid operations.
“The command is poised to fight the problem of drug cultivation, trafficking and abuse. “Our unwavering commitment to combating drug cultivation, trafficking and abuse will continue to be a top priority. Together with our partners, we will work tirelessly to ensure a safer Edo State for all.”
“The command’s achievements in the outgoing year are a substantial leap in intelligence-led operations, effective legal prosecution, and drug demand reduction initiatives”, he stated.
Ofoyeju posited that beyond enforcement, the command undertook vital drug demand reduction activities which resulted in 300 drug-dependent individuals receiving quick intervention counselling services, aimed at reintegrating them back into society.
“In addition, the NDLEA carried out extensive public enlightenment campaigns to raise awareness about the health risks and societal dangers associated with drug abuse and trafficking”, he added.
He, however, assured that the Command remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle drug trafficking cartels operating within the state.
He listed out four strategic missions to fight drug trafficking in the state in 2026 to include the identification of drug warehouses, interception of illicit drug shipments, dislodgement of drug bunks and the apprehension of drug barons.