NDLEA Seizes N1.8 Billion in Drugs, Arrests 104 in Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) conducted a significant operation in Edo State, resulting in the arrest of 104 suspects and the seizure of illicit drugs valued at N1.8 billion between January and March 2026. Dr. Mitchel Ofoyeju, presenting the agency's operational scorecard, noted that the arrests included 71 males and 33 females during coordinated raids.

The operation aims to dismantle drug networks and strengthen prosecution and rehabilitation efforts. A closer examination of the seizures revealed that cannabis constituted the majority, with 18,000 kilograms recovered.

The agency has secured 36 convictions in the Federal High Court in Benin and expanded its non-enforcement strategies, counseling 28 individuals and signaling a dual focus on justice and recovery. This crackdown is part of a broader initiative to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria, following a significant seizure of 3,398 cartons of codeine syrup linked to an opioid cartel in March 2026.