NDLEA arrests 289 suspects, secures 52 convictions since January — Mitchell

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has said no fewer than 289 suspected drug traffickers have been arrested in Edo State since January 2026.

Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander of the agency, disclosed this during the commemoration of this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Benin City.

The theme of the event was “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”

Ofoyeju said that of the 289 suspects arrested, 176 were males and 113 were females.

He added that a total of 52 suspects were convicted, comprising 47 males and five females.

He also disclosed that a total of 35,008.38 kilograms of cannabis was seized.

The NDLEA state commander said the seized cannabis comprised 14,705.31 kilograms recovered from traffickers and 20,303.07 kilograms destroyed on cannabis plantations.

He further stated that 135 persons, comprising 101 males and 34 females with drug abuse problems, received counselling services, while 33 anti-drug abuse sensitisation programmes were conducted, reaching 6,092 participants.

Mitchell, who said the NDLEA cannot win the war against drug trafficking alone despite the impressive statistics, noted that the world drug problem is a family, community and national security issue.

“I implore parents and guardians to be the first line of defence. Talk to your children, monitor their behaviour, know their friends and be sensitive to early warning signs,” he said.

He, however, urged youths in the state not to allow drugs to rob them of their dreams, health and future.

He also urged traditional rulers and religious leaders, as the moral compass of society, to use their influence to advocate for drug-free communities.

Mitchell vowed that the command is committed to making Edo State a hostile environment for drug traffickers.

He reassured the people of the state that the agency remains professional, uncompromising and innovative, adding that it will make the state a hostile environment for drug traffickers and a safe space for recovery and rehabilitation.

In his remarks, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and other stakeholders, including the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun; the State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika; and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Edo State chapter, called for innovative responses to address the age-long problem of drug trafficking and abuse.

Governor Okpebholo, represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Drug Policy and Trafficking Control, Andrew Efe, stressed his commitment to establishing zero tolerance for drug trafficking in Edo State.

“When drug traffickers think they are clever in crime, we will make them understand that we are more innovative in justice delivery. Edo State will not be safe for drug trafficking and substance abuse.

“If you bring drugs into this state, we will find you. We will seize your drugs, and you will face the full weight of the law. There will be no hiding place and no sacred cow.

“Addiction is a serious public health problem. My government is working with the NDLEA and health institutions to expand access to quality counselling and rehabilitation. We will not abandon our sons and daughters who are victims of drug trafficking. We will give them a chance to recover and rebuild.

“The world has been tackling the drug problem for centuries. Though the problem persists, we will not relent in making our society free from narcotic drugs. New challenges will arise, but our responses will be sharper, faster and more united,” he added.