The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has announced the seizure of illicit drugs valued at N1.8 billion within the first quarter of the year.
Speaking in Benin City while presenting the command’s operational performance report for the period, the commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that a total of 18,380 kilogrammes of narcotics were confiscated from 104 suspected traffickers.
Ofoyeju explained that those apprehended during intelligence-driven raids included 71 men and 33 women. He further noted that of the total drug haul, 5,825kg were seized, while 12,556kg of cannabis were destroyed across 10 farms spanning 5.02260 hectares.
Providing a detailed breakdown, he said the recovered substances comprised 18,293kg of cannabis, 6.01kg of psychotropic substances, 0.1888kg of methamphetamine, 0.023kg of cocaine, 0.0151kg of heroin, as well as 81.4 litres of codeine cough syrup.
He said, “The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has apprehended 104 suspected drug traffickers with 18,380 kilograms of narcotics estimated to cost N1.8 billion.”
The commander also revealed that the agency secured 36 convictions at the Federal High Court in Benin City, involving 32 men and four women.
In addition, he highlighted intensified public enlightenment campaigns, noting that 26 sensitisation programmes were conducted to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking. According to him, 28 individuals battling drug dependence underwent rehabilitation, while 66 others received counselling and were reintegrated with their families.
Ofoyeju added that in line with the reward system introduced by the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, several individuals were honoured for exceptional contributions to the anti-drug campaign. The recognition covered 10 officers, four journalists, and one legal aid practitioner.
He said the awards were designed to boost morale among personnel and reinforce collaboration with key stakeholders essential to the agency’s mandate.
Among the awardees were DCN Timothy Nku, named Best Area Commander, and DCN Hope Aigbogun, recognised as Best WADA Facilitator. ACN Ella Ordiah received the Best Prosecutor award, while CSN Habibu Dauda was honoured as Most Productive Officer. ASNI Omakor Isioma Uyoyomaro emerged as Most Resourceful Officer, and ASNI Omotosho Abass was named Best Investigating Officer.
Other honourees included ASNII Abdulazeez Oboh Azeko as Most Dedicated Officer, ASNII James Magani as Most Diligent Officer, CNA Emuakpor Obada as Most Disciplined Officer, and NASSI Paul Umoh as Best-Dressed Officer.
The command also acknowledged outstanding media partners for 2025, honouring Adeyinka Adedipe of The Punch Newspapers, Bello Usman of Daily Trust Newspapers, Nafeesa Bello of the Edo Broadcasting Service, and Usman Aliyu of the News Agency of Nigeria. A legal practitioner, Barrister Mrs Agbako Afamefune of Breakthrough Legal Consults, was equally recognised for providing legal support to defendants unable to afford representation.
The event also marked the launch of the maiden edition of the NDLEA Edo State Command magazine, aimed at documenting its operations, showcasing achievements, and educating the public on the risks associated with illicit drug use.
“Today, we celebrate dedication, resourcefulness, and fruitful collaboration. The award recipients represent the best of our collective resolve to secure a drug-free society. The release of our magazine also marks a new chapter in our public engagement,” Ofoyeju stressed.
