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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has arrested 49 suspected drug traffickers comprising 29 females and 20 males, while seizing 2,596.29 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs during operations carried out in July 2026.
The command also promoted 73 officers and personnel in recognition of their commitment and outstanding performance.
The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Thursday while presenting the command’s July 2026 operational scorecard and decorating newly promoted officers and personnel at the NDLEA Edo State Command Headquarters in Benin City.
Speaking at the ceremony attended by officers, stakeholders and guests, Ofoyeju described the high number of female suspects arrested as a disturbing trend, saying it reflects increasing socio-economic vulnerability among women and the gradual erosion of traditional family values.
He said the command was already developing strategies aimed at re-orienting families and communities to address the development.
“The Edo State Command successfully arrested 49 suspected drug traffickers with a seizure of 2,596.29 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs in July 2026.
“We observed that females topped the list of persons arrested with 29, while males were 20. This is concerning because it highlights a shift in the socio-economic vulnerability of women and a breakdown of traditional family stability,” he said.
Giving a breakdown of the seizures, Ofoyeju said cannabis accounted for the largest quantity with 2,588.4 kilogrammes, followed by 6.13 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances, 1.68 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, 0.071 kilogramme of cocaine and 0.005 kilogramme of heroin.
He added that operatives also recovered 15.3 litres of codeine cough syrup and 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas.
The commander disclosed that the command recorded significant operational successes during the month, including the discovery of three drug warehouses—two in Benin City and one in Illushi.
He further revealed that two vehicles allegedly used for transporting cannabis—a Toyota Sienna with registration number NND 975 AG and a Toyota Camry with registration number BEN 503 BK—were intercepted by operatives.
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As part of its campaign against illicit cultivation, Ofoyeju said the agency destroyed a cannabis plantation measuring about 0.640903 hectares in Egbisi Forest, Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, the plantation was estimated to produce about 1,602.26 kilogrammes of cannabis, noting that its destruction dealt a major blow to illegal drug production in Edo State.
He added that the command secured convictions in four drug-related cases during the period, while 24 persons battling drug dependence underwent counselling and were reunited with their families under the agency’s Drug Demand Reduction programme.
Speaking on the promotion exercise, Ofoyeju congratulated the 73 newly promoted officers and personnel, describing their elevation as a reward for diligence, integrity and exceptional performance rather than an automatic entitlement.
He attributed the command’s improved operational performance and high morale to the annual promotion policy introduced by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa.
He urged the beneficiaries to justify their new ranks through greater dedication to duty, integrity and exemplary leadership.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. Your new rank is a call to higher service. The public is watching, and the command expects your performance to increase.
“As NDLEA officers, our moral authority is our greatest weapon. You cannot fight drug barons without zero tolerance for indiscipline and corruption.
“As you move up the ladder of your career, be prepared to train, guide and mentor your subordinates. That is how institutions become stronger,” he said.
Ofoyeju also appreciated the families of officers for their sacrifices and support, noting that their encouragement had contributed significantly to the command’s successes.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against drug trafficking and drug abuse across Edo State while strengthening preventive measures and rehabilitation programmes.
