As the world marked the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) revealed the scale of its crackdown on drug crimes in Edo State, with hundreds of suspected traffickers arrested and dozens convicted within the first six months of the year.
Speaking during the commemoration in Benin City on Friday, Edo State NDLEA Commander, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that the command arrested 289 suspected drug traffickers between January and June 2026.
According to him, the suspects comprised 176 men and 113 women, while 52 offenders—47 males and five females—have already been convicted.
Ofoyeju also revealed that the agency recovered and destroyed a total of 35,008.38 kilograms of cannabis, including 14,705.31 kilograms seized from traffickers and 20,303.07 kilograms destroyed on illegal cannabis plantations.
Beyond enforcement, he said the command provided counselling and rehabilitation services to 135 people battling drug abuse, comprising 101 men and 34 women. In addition, the agency conducted 33 anti-drug sensitisation campaigns, reaching 6,092 participants across the state.
Despite the achievements, Ofoyeju stressed that the fight against illicit drugs cannot be won by the NDLEA alone, describing drug abuse and trafficking as a family, community and national security challenge.
He urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, understand their circle of friends and watch for early warning signs of drug abuse.
Addressing young people, the NDLEA commander warned them not to allow drugs to destroy their dreams, health and future, while calling on traditional rulers and religious leaders to use their influence in promoting drug-free communities.
He reaffirmed the agency’s determination to make Edo State a hostile environment for drug traffickers while creating a safe space for rehabilitation and recovery for victims of substance abuse.
Also speaking, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Drug Policy and Trafficking Control, Andrew Efe, reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance against drug trafficking.
He warned that anyone involved in the illicit drug trade would face the full weight of the law, insisting there would be “no hiding place and no sacred cow” for offenders.
The governor also pledged to expand access to counselling and rehabilitation services for individuals battling addiction through collaboration with the NDLEA and health institutions.
Other stakeholders, including the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Edo State chapter, called for innovative and collaborative strategies to tackle the growing challenge of drug trafficking and substance abuse.
