Published by Osasere Edomwonyi Ikpoba
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has delivered a crippling blow to drug trafficking networks in Edo State, arresting 68 suspected traffickers and seizing over 7.5 tons of illicit substances during a sweeping month-long crackdown in August 2026. The Edo State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed the command’s August scorecard in a statement issued in Benin City on Thursday, described the results as a reflection of the agency’s “unwavering commitment” to combating drug trafficking and substance abuse in the state.
The scale of the operation is staggering. A total of 7,531.51 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs was removed from circulation, marking one of the most significant single-month hauls in the state’s recent history. The haul was dominated by Cannabis sativa, which accounted for 7,524.83 kilogrammes of the total seizures. This figure includes 1,098.177 kilogrammes recovered directly from suspects and 6,433.33 kilogrammes destroyed on cannabis farms. Other substances seized included 5.3311 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances, 0.0668 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, and 34.8 litres of codeine syrup.
The arrests comprised an equal number of men and women—34 males and 34 females—a gender balance that Commander Ofoyeju noted “further authenticates the fact that substance use has no respect for sex”. The intelligence-led operations that yielded these results were conducted across multiple locations in the state, demonstrating the agency’s capacity to disrupt drug distribution networks at various levels. The suspects are currently in custody, and the agency has filed three new cases, while 87 others remain pending before the Federal High Court. No convictions were recorded in August, as the court was on vacation, but the legal process is expected to resume in the coming weeks.
Beyond the arrests and seizures, the NDLEA also intensified its efforts to tackle drug cultivation at its source. Enforcement officers identified and destroyed four cannabis farms spread across two local government areas. Two of the farms were located in the Igbanke Forest, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, while the other two were discovered at Ukaro Forest and Ewe Forest in Owan West Local Government Area. The first Igbanke farm measured 0.699702 hectares with an estimated yield of 1,749.255 kilogrammes of cannabis, while the second, also in Igbanke, spanned 1.15188 hectares with an estimated yield of 2,879.7 kilogrammes. The Ukaro Forest farm covered 0.496383 hectares with an estimated yield of 1,240.9575 kilogrammes, and the Ewe Forest farm measured 0.225366 hectares with an estimated yield of 563.415 kilogrammes. In total, the four plantations covered 2.573331 hectares, and the estimated 6,433.33 kilogrammes of cannabis destroyed on these farms represent a significant disruption to the supply chain.
The August crackdown, however, was not solely about enforcement. The NDLEA’s Counselling and Treatment Rehabilitation (CTR) and Prevention Sensitisation (PS) units were also actively engaged in addressing the social repercussions of substance abuse. The command provided counselling to 23 clients and enrolled 12 individuals in vocational training programmes covering skills such as tailoring, perfume-making, and liquid soap production. These initiatives are designed to offer alternative livelihoods to those vulnerable to drug abuse and trafficking, addressing the root causes of the problem rather than merely its symptoms.
In addition, the command conducted five sensitisation programmes that reached over 2,150 participants, strengthening public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of community vigilance. Commander Ofoyeju stressed that the agency would continue to collaborate with community leaders, media organisations, and other law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and health of citizens. “We are unwavering in our commitment to flushing out drugs and apprehending those who profit from the suffering of others,” he declared.
The success of the August operations comes against the backdrop of a broader national offensive by the NDLEA. In a separate operation in August, the agency intercepted a significant consignment of cocaine and other illicit substances in Lagos, while also destroying cannabis farms in Ekiti and Ondo states. The agency has also been active in dismantling international trafficking cartels, with one such operation in mid-August resulting in the arrest of a fleeing celebrity drug kingpin. These coordinated efforts across multiple states underscore the NDLEA’s determination to curb the flow of illicit drugs and dismantle the networks that sustain them.
Edo State has long been a major hub for cannabis cultivation and drug trafficking in Nigeria, owing to its vast forest reserves and proximity to major commercial centres. The destruction of four cannabis farms in Orhionmwon and Owan West local government areas represents a significant step in reclaiming these territories from drug cartels. However, the challenge remains immense. The NDLEA’s own data shows that cannabis cultivation remains high in Edo, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, and Delta states, indicating that the agency’s work is far from over.
The legal proceedings against the 68 suspects will be closely watched, particularly as the Federal High Court resumes session. The outcome of these cases will send a strong signal about the government’s resolve to prosecute drug offenders and deter future trafficking. For now, the NDLEA’s August crackdown stands as a testament to what intelligence-led policing and community collaboration can achieve. As Commander Ofoyeju put it, the agency’s recent operations showcase its dedication to flushing out drugs from communities and apprehending those who wish to profit from the suffering of others. The fight against drug trafficking in Edo State is far from over, but the August haul has dealt a significant blow to the networks that have long plagued the region.
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