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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, says it has arrested no fewer than 104 suspected drug traffickers and seized illicit substances worth over N1.8 billion.
The State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin, while presenting the command’s operational scorecard.
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Mr Ofoyeju said that the arrests and seizures were made within the first quarter of 2026.
He also said that the suspects comprised 71 males and 33 females apprehended through intelligence-led operations across the state.
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“I am glad to state that no fewer than 104 suspected traffickers were apprehended with 18,380 kilogrammes of suspected narcotics.
“They were arrested during various intelligence-led raid operations.
“5,825 kilogrammes of substance suspected to be cannabis sativa were seized within the period under review, while 12,556 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis farm lands measuring 5.02260 hectares were destroyed.”
The commander said that the operations had sent a strong signal that Edo was not a safe haven for illicit drug activities.
He explained that a breakdown of the seizures showed cannabis dominating the haul at 18,293 kilogrammes.
He added that other seizures include 6.01 kilogrammes of suspected psychotropic substances, 0.1888 kilogrammes of suspected methamphetamine, 0.023 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine, 0.0151 kilogrammes of suspected heroin, and 81.4 litres of codeine syrup.
Mr Ofoyeju said that beyond enforcement, the command also recorded significant strides in prosecution and rehabilitation.
He said that 36 convictions were secured at the Federal High Court, Benin, within the period under review, adding that those convicted include 32 males and four females.
“Our prosecution efforts remain firm. We are ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law,” he said.
In the area of demand reduction, the NDLEA boss explained that the command intensified its anti-drug advocacy, conducting 26 sensitisation programmes across communities.
He further said that 28 drug-dependent individuals were rehabilitated, while 66 others received counselling and have been successfully reintegrated with their families.
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He noted that the fight against drug abuse must go beyond arrests, stressing the importance of prevention and rehabilitation.
“We are not just enforcing laws; we are rebuilding lives. Rehabilitation and counselling are critical components of our strategy,” he said.
The NDLEA chief reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining the momentum.
He said that partnerships with stakeholders and the public remained crucial in dismantling drug networks.
(NAN)
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