Agency destroys 45 cannabis farms, secures 66 convictions as commander vows tougher crackdown on drug cartels in 2026.
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it arrested at least 462 suspected drug traffickers and confiscated more than 207 tonnes of illicit drugs across the state in 2025.
Presenting the command’s annual performance scorecard in Benin City on Wednesday, the state commander, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, described the figures as the outcome of sustained intelligence-led operations targeting drug cultivation, trafficking and abuse.
According to the NDLEA, 309 of those arrested were male, while 153 were female. A breakdown by state of origin showed Edo State accounting for the highest number of suspects with 207 arrests, followed by Delta with 84 and Benue with 23. Akwa Ibom recorded 21 suspects, Katsina 14, while Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi and Enugu states recorded 12 suspects each.
Dr Ofoyeju said the arrests reflected “focused and deliberate operations” designed to disrupt drug networks operating within the state.
He disclosed that NDLEA operatives also uncovered and destroyed 45 cannabis sativa farms spanning 77.5122 hectares across several local government areas. The estimated yield of the destroyed farms, he said, stood at about 193,491.1568 kilograms of illicit drugs.
In addition, the command seized 13,714.9233 kilograms of processed cannabis during raid operations, impounded 12 vehicles used in drug-related crimes and secured 66 convictions at the Federal High Court. A further 104 cases, he added, remain pending.
Detailing the seizures, Ofoyeju said the total volume of drugs intercepted in 2025 amounted to 207,595.54 kilograms. Cannabis sativa accounted for the bulk with 207,206.08 kilograms, alongside smaller quantities of cocaine (0.0601kg), heroin (0.029kg), methamphetamine (1.50103kg) and psychotropic substances (183.0699kg). The agency also seized 204.8 litres of codeine-based syrup.
“Cannabis constitutes the largest chunk of the drugs seized,” he said, adding that the command’s achievements marked a “significant leap” in intelligence gathering, prosecution and drug demand reduction efforts.
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA said it provided quick intervention counselling to 300 drug-dependent individuals during the year, aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration. The command also carried out public awareness campaigns to educate residents on the health and social consequences of drug abuse.
Looking ahead, Dr Ofoyeju assured residents that the agency would intensify its operations in 2026, outlining plans to identify drug warehouses, intercept illicit shipments, dismantle drug dens and apprehend high-profile drug barons.
“Our unwavering commitment to combating drug cultivation, trafficking and abuse remains a top priority,” he said. “Together with our partners, we will continue working to ensure a safer Edo State.”
