NDLEA to Intensify Drug Raids Ahead of Edo Elections

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced plans to intensify raids on identified drug hotspots in Edo State ahead of the local government elections scheduled for July 11. Mitchel Ofoyeju, the NDLEA state commander, met with Obo Effanga, the state resident electoral commissioner, on Tuesday in Benin.

The initiative aims to curb drug-induced violence and ensure peaceful elections. The NDLEA's operations will target criminal elements who may exploit illicit drugs to foment violence during the electoral process.

Ofoyeju emphasized that the agency's goal is to keep illicit drugs off the streets and deny criminals the means to disrupt the electoral process. Effanga commended the NDLEA for its support during previous elections, noting that the agency's efforts have significantly reduced drug-induced violence.

The NDLEA is also renewing collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address substance abuse, which remains a major trigger for electoral violence.