The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 56 individuals suspected of drug trafficking and confiscated a total of 2,167.74 kilograms of illicit substances during the month of February.
State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju revealed the figures on Thursday while presenting the agency’s operational report for the month. He said intelligence-driven operations across the state led to the arrests, which included 34 men and 22 women at known drug hotspots.
A breakdown of the seizures showed that 900.89 kilograms were assorted illegal drugs, while three cannabis farms spanning 0.506739 hectares were discovered in forested areas, yielding an estimated 1,266.85 kilograms of marijuana, which were subsequently destroyed.
Ofoyeju said, “In the month of February, the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency arrested 56 drug traffickers and seized 2,167.74kg of illicit drugs. The bulk of the seizure was Cannabis sativa, while psychotropic substances accounted for 5.1253kg and methamphetamine 0.0605kg.”
The commander added that the command’s prosecution unit secured 14 convictions in February, while three new cases were filed in court, raising the total number of pending cases at the Federal High Court in Benin City to 96.
On drug prevention and rehabilitation efforts, Ofoyeju said the agency counselled 28 clients — 23 males and five females — who were later reunited with their families, while 11 others remain in rehabilitation. The unit also carried out three public sensitisation campaigns to educate communities on the dangers of drug abuse.
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Highlighting operational challenges, the commander noted, “The figures for February 2026 reflect our unwavering commitment to the mandate of the NDLEA and the directives of the Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.). The difficult and often inaccessible terrain used for cannabis cultivation in parts of the state poses a challenge, but we remain resolute. We are dismantling networks, destroying farms, prosecuting offenders, and rehabilitating victims. Despite the stubborn attitude of drug traffickers, the Edo State Command will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle drug trafficking cartels and create a safer, drug-free society.”