NDLEA in Edo arrests 462 suspects, seizes volumes of illicit drugs in 2025
NDLEA in Edo arrests 462 suspects, seizes volumes of illicit drugs in 2025
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Benin, said it arrested 462 drug traffickers and seized more than 207,000kg of illicit drugs in various operations in 2025.
The state’s Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Michael Ofoyeju, disclosed this on Wednesday in Benin, while briefing journalists on the achievements of the command for 2025.
Ofoyeju, a Commander of Narcotics, described the performance, as a major boost in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse in the state.
He explained that the arrests, which comprised 309 males and 153 females, were recorded through intelligence-driven operations, targeted at dismantling drug cartels across the state.
According to him, the command seized a total of 207,595.5kg of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, within the period.
Among others, he said that the breakdown of the seizures included: 207,206.08kg of cannabis sativa, 1.50103kg of methamphetamine, and 183.0699kg of psychotropic substances.
He noted that cannabis accounted for bulk of the seizures, adding that the command identified and destroyed 45 cannabis farms, covering 77.5122 hectares across several local government areas.
“The estimated yield from the destroyed farms was about 193,491.16kg of cannabis, while 13,714.92kg of processed cannabis were seized during raid operations,” he said.
The NDLEA boss said that the command remained resolute in tackling drug cultivation, trafficking, and abuse in the state.
According to him, suspects between the ages of 25 and 34, formed the highest category with 153 arrests, followed by those aged between 15 to 24 with 134 arrests, and those aged between 35 to 44 with 108 arrests.
“These figures will guide our interventions, particularly in drug demand reduction and preventive strategies targeting vulnerable age groups,” he said.
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On prosecution, Ofoyeju said that the command secured 66 convictions, while 104 cases were currently pending before the Federal High Court.
He added that 12 vehicles were also impounded as exhibits used in drug-related crimes.
Beyond enforcement, the commander said that the NDLEA provided quick intervention counselling to 300 drug-dependent individuals, as part of efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society.
Ofoyeju commended President Bola Tinubu for sustained efforts in the war against drugs, particularly the renewal of the tenure of the NDLEA Chairman retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa.
He also applauded the Edo Government for establishing State and Local Government Drug Control Committees, and for allocating land for the construction of a model NDLEA state command headquarters.
The commander reaffirmed that the Command would remain steadfast in dismantling drug trafficking cartels and protecting communities from dangers associated with illicit drugs.
