NDLEA Arrests 42 Suspected Drug Traffickers, Declares Escaped Edo Suspect Wanted
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 42 suspected drug traffickers and declared a suspected drug dealer, Gospel Mudiaga Odeh, popularly known as Omega, wanted after he allegedly escaped arrest during an operation.
The command also reported seizing 271.92 kilogrammes of illicit drugs and destroying 10 cannabis farms covering approximately 3.7 hectares in Edo State in September 2026.
The state commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the figures while presenting the command’s monthly operational scorecard, which covered enforcement activities, rehabilitation and public education on substance abuse.
According to Ofoyeju, the 42 suspects comprised 20 males and 22 females. He said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations conducted by the command.
The commander said Odeh allegedly escaped during an operation, leaving behind a black Toyota Matrix. His sales assistant, identified as 26-year-old Ojugo Mercy, was arrested with substances suspected to be cannabis products and methamphetamine.
Ofoyeju said operatives recovered 65 grammes of cannabis and ₦1.16 million, alongside 55 Ethiopian birr, from the abandoned vehicle. The items were documented as exhibits, while the suspect was declared wanted.
The NDLEA commander said the drugs intercepted during September included 245.29 kilogrammes of cannabis, 25.97 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances and 0.66 kilogramme of methamphetamine. The command also reported seizing 62.6 litres of codeine syrup.
Beyond the seizures, the agency identified and destroyed 10 cannabis farms with an estimated potential yield of 9,248.26 kilogrammes. The farms were located across parts of Ovia South-West, Owan East, Owan West and Esan South-East local government areas.
Ofoyeju said the command secured three convictions during the month, while 83 cases remained pending before various courts.
He added that 28 people received counselling and that vocational training in areas such as tailoring, embroidery and liquid soap production formed part of the command’s rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
The NDLEA called for greater cooperation from communities and other stakeholders in tackling drug trafficking and substance abuse in Edo State.
The agency’s declaration against Odeh remains an allegation, and any criminal liability must be established through the appropriate legal process.
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