NDLEA EDO DISCOVERS 3 WAREHOUSES, INTERCEPTS 2 VEHICLES ARRESTS 49 WITH 2,596.28KG OF DRUGS

 NDLEA EDO DISCOVERS 3 WAREHOUSES, INTERCEPTS 2 VEHICLES ARRESTS 49 WITH 2,596.28KG OF DRUGS 

DECORATES 73 NEWLY PROMOTED OFFICERS

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Command has announced the discovery of three illicit drug warehouses, interception of two vehicles and the arrest of 49 suspected drug traffickers with 2,596.29 kilogrammes of drugs in a renewed effort to tackle the drug problem in the state. Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, the Edo State Commander, gave the impressive July 2026 operational scorecard at the decoration ceremony of 73 newly promoted officers.

“We have observed that females top the list of persons arrested, with 29, while males are 20. This is concerning, as it highlights a shift in the socio-economic vulnerability of women and a breakdown of traditional family stability. The command is strategising on family value re-orientation to address this negative development,” the commander noted.  

The assessment of the seizures clearly shows that NDLEA Edo is winning the war against narcotics with unprecedented harvest of arrests and seizures. The optics are good with three warehouses detected in the month, two in Benin City and one at Illushi. Two vehicles, a Toyota Sienna with registration number Ondo NND 975 AG and a Toyota Camry registration number Edo BEN 503 BK used in transporting cannabis were equally intercepted.

Cannabis led the seizure list with 2,588.4 kilograms, psychotropic substances 6.13 kilograms, cocaine 0.071 kg, heroin 0.005 kg, and methamphetamine 1.68 kg. Additionally, the command seized 15.3 litres of codeine cough syrup and 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide, also referred to as laughing gas. These assorted narcotics underscored the varied nature of substances being trafficked and abused within the state.

In a decisive move to eradicate drug production, the agency also destroyed a cannabis farm located in the Egbisi forest of Abudu, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state. This farm measured an extensive 0.640903 hectares and was estimated to yield around 1,602.26 kilograms of cannabis. The destruction of this farm represents a crucial victory in the NDLEA's mission to dismantle drug production operations within Edo State.

The command successfully secured convictions in four drug cases during the month. Additionally, in its commitment to addressing drug abuse, 24 individuals with drug use problems were counselled and reunited with family members, illustrating the agency’s holistic approach towards combating drug-related issues within the community.

The suspect caught with the Toyota Sienna conveying 43 bags of cannabis weighing 468kg, Osas Ogieva, 30 years old told journalist that he is only a transporter. According to him, “I started the cannabis business few months ago. I am only a transporter and the promised to pay me five thousand naira per bag.”

Commander Mitchell who decorated seventy-three newly promoted officers extended his heartfelt appreciation to Brig. Gen. Mohmed Buba Marwa (RTD), CON, the Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, for his steadfast support and leadership behind the excellent operational performance of officers. “This yearly promotion culture established by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, has optimized the operational results of the Agency. The morale of officers is now very high as they are enthusiastically poised to take on the most daring drug cartels,” he stated.  

“Today, we gather not just to change to new ranks, but to celebrate hard work, sacrifice, loyalty, and commitment to service. Promotion in the NDLEA is not automatic; rather, it is earned as a reward for diligence, integrity, and outstanding performance in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.” He congratulated the officers for passing the stipulated examinations and interviews while giving the breakdown of those promoted to include three officers from Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN) to Commander of Narcotics (CN) and five others advancing from Assistant Commander of Narcotics (ACN) to Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN).

Another five officers were promoted from Chief Superintendent of Narcotics to Assistant Commander of Narcotics; six moved from Superintendent of Narcotics (SN) to Chief Superintendent of Narcotics (CSN); ten from Deputy Superintendent of Narcotics (DSN) to Superintendent of Narcotics (SN); and eleven were elevated from Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics I ASNI to Deputy Superintendent of Narcotics (DSN), while sixteen others moved from Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics (ASNII) to Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics (ASNI).

In the junior cadre, two were promoted from Chief Narcotic Agent CNA to Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics (ASNII). Eight others moved from Narcotic Agent (NA) to Chief Narcotic Agent (CNA), six were promoted from Narcotic Agent (NA) to Senior Narcotic Agent (SNA), and thirteen moved from Narcotic Assistant 1 (NASS I) to Narcotic Agent (NA) while two moved from Narcotic Assistant 2 (NASS II) to Narcotic Assistant 1 (NASS I).

Commander Ofoyeju articulated three essential tenets for the newly promoted officers. Promotion demands heightened responsibility, the importance of leading with integrity, and the necessity of mentoring junior officers. He further underlined the importance of moral authority, urging the officers to exhibit zero tolerance for indiscipline and corruption as they confront drug traffickers.

The commander also took a moment to express gratitude to the family members of the officers, acknowledging the sacrifices they make in support of their loved ones in service. “This celebration also belongs to you. We know the sleepless nights, the missed events, and the risk you bear with us,” he reassured the family members and friends gathered for the event.

As the ceremony concluded, the newly promoted officers were encouraged to wear their ranks with pride and commitment to serving humanity vigorously in the ongoing war against drug abuse.

The event served as not only a recognition of individual achievements but also as a reaffirmation of the collective goal of the NDLEA to protect society by combating drug-related crimes.