The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported the seizure of illicit drugs valued at ₦1.8 billion during the first quarter of the year.
The announcement was made by the command’s head, Mitchell Ofoyeju, while presenting the agency’s operational scorecard for the period. According to him, 18,380 kilograms of narcotics were recovered from 104 suspected drug traffickers, including 71 males and 33 females, during intelligence-led raids across the state.
The seized substances included cannabis (18,293kg), psychotropic substances (6.01kg), methamphetamine (0.1888kg), cocaine (0.023kg), heroin (0.0151kg), and 81.4 litres of codeine cough syrup. Of this total, 5,825kg were seized directly, while 12,556kg of cannabis were destroyed on 10 farms covering 5.0226 hectares.
Ofoyeju stated that the agency achieved 36 convictions at the Federal High Court in Benin City, comprising 32 males and 4 females. He further highlighted the command’s commitment to anti-drug education, noting that 26 awareness programmes were conducted to inform the public about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
The NDLEA also provided rehabilitation and counselling services, assisting 28 drug-dependent clients and offering support and reintegration for 66 others, reuniting them with their families.
In recognition of outstanding contributions, the command honoured 10 officers, four journalists, and a legal aid lawyer for their exceptional roles in advancing the fight against narcotics. Among the officers recognised were:
The agency also acknowledged the efforts of media partners and a legal aid lawyer for their critical support. The media awardees included journalists from major outlets, while Barrister Mrs. Agbako Afamefune of Breakthrough Legal Consults was recognised for providing legal assistance to individuals unable to afford representation in drug-related cases.
The event also marked the launch of the first edition of the NDLEA Edo State Command magazine, designed to document the agency’s activities, showcase success stories, and educate the public on the dangers of illicit drugs.
Ofoyeju described the occasion as a celebration of dedication, resourcefulness, and collaboration, emphasising that the award recipients exemplify the agency’s commitment to a drug-free society. He added that the magazine’s release represents a new chapter in public engagement and awareness.
President Bola Tinubu has asked the National Assembly to approve an upward review of the 2026 Appropriation Bill by ₦9 trillion, increasing the proposed budget from ₦58.4 trillion to ₦67.4 trillion. The request was conveyed in a letter read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary. In the letter, President Tinubu explained that the proposed increase is aimed at […]
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