NDLEA Seizes 16.8 tonnes of Drugs, Arrests 75 Suspects in Edo State

Arrests and Seizures in Edo State

On 9 November 2026, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced that its Edo State Command had arrested 75 suspected drug traffickers during the month of October. The operation resulted in the seizure of 16,818.17 kg of illicit drugs, including 2,492.6973 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 3.2169 kg of psychotropic substances, 0.The haul included 20,371 kilograms of methamphetamine, 35 cylinders of nitrous oxide, six brownie cakes, and 4.1 liters of codeine syrup. Authorities discovered the confiscated narcotics inside a black Toyota Camry that had been seized in Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area; the vehicle also contained 1,049 compressed cannabis blocks totaling 702.83 kg.

During the same operation, eight cannabis cultivation sites spanning 5.728,819 hectares were destroyed, with a projected harvest of 14,322.0475 kilograms. These agricultural sites were situated in Uzebba Forest and the Ukhuise-Osi Community within Owan West, Ugbada Forest in Owan West, Ugboshi Ele Forest in Akoko-Edo, and Eco Camp in Illushi, Esan South-East Local Government Area.

Background

The NDLEA’s Edo State Command, led by Commander Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, has been intensifying its anti‑drug operations following a visit by the agency’s Chairman, Mohammed Buba Marwa. Marwa’s visit was described by Ofoyeju as a “moral booster” and a catalyst for the command’s continued efforts against drug trafficking networks in the state.

During the month, the command also secured six convictions and charged 14 suspects to court. A further 103 cases remain pending before various courts. In addition to enforcement, the command’s Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation units counselled 47 clients (33 males and 14 females) and are providing vocational training to 12 others in tailoring, embroidery, perfume‑making and liquid soap production.

Why It Matters

The seizure of 16.8 tonnes of drugs represents a significant blow to the drug trafficking networks operating in Edo State. The destruction of eight cannabis farms and the impoundment of a vehicle carrying over 700 kg of cannabis cut off a major supply chain. The operation also resulted in the arrest of 54 males and 21 females, indicating a broad reach across gender lines.

The NDLEA’s actions are part of a wider strategy to dismantle drug cartels in Nigeria. According to the agency's Chairman, Mohammed Buba Marwa, personnel are being encouraged to maintain the pace of intelligence-driven activities and dismantle drug trafficking syndicates, consistent with the organization's strategic goals. The successful convictions and ongoing court cases demonstrate the legal framework supporting these enforcement efforts.

What Happens Next

According to Commander Ofoyeju, the NDLEA will continue to pursue the pending 103 cases and maintain its focus on intelligence‑led operations. The agency’s rehabilitation centre will keep providing vocational training to those released for rehabilitation. No further dates or specific next steps were announced beyond the ongoing court proceedings and continued enforcement activities.

The operation’s outcomes were reported by multiple news outlets, including Punch, Daily Trust and Daily Post, all of which confirmed the figures and the scope of the seizures and arrests. No discrepancies were noted among the reports.