NDLEA arrests 338 suspects, seizes over 53,000kg of illicit drugs in Kogi, Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse, arresting a total of 338 suspects and seizing significant quantities of illicit substances in coordinated operations across Kogi and Edo states.

In Kogi State, the NDLEA Command arrested 129 suspects and confiscated 282.3kg of assorted hard drugs, including cannabis sativa, cocaine, tramadol, opioids, and other psychotropic substances.

The State Commander, Umar Mustapha Yahuza, at a press briefing in Lokoja to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, revealed that the Command also secured 35 convictions from January to date, with several other cases ongoing at the Federal High Court, Lokoja. He noted that the seized drugs were intended for distribution among local youth and transport to other regions.

“One could imagine the level of destruction if these drugs had reached circulation,” he said.

The Command’s Drug Demand Reduction Unit has conducted statewide awareness campaigns in schools, parks, religious centers, and corporate organisations. A total of 106 drug-dependent individuals apprehended during raids received brief counselling, while 40 others referred by their families underwent full rehabilitation and have been reintegrated into society.

Yahuza appealed to the Kogi State Government to fulfil its promise to construct a multi-purpose skill acquisition and rehabilitation centre to support recovered addicts.

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In Edo State, the NDLEA Command apprehended 209 Suspects, invaded a Supermarket Drug Ring in a swift oiperation.

The Edo State NDLEA Command, therefore, disclosed the arrest of 209 suspected drug traffickers, including a 300-level female student of Ambrose Alli University, Esther Abumere, who was allegedly caught with various drugs during a raid at a supermarket in Ekpoma.

Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju told journalists in Benin City that Abumere was found in possession of Colorado (synthetic cannabis), cannabis loud, tramadol, and other substances. She reportedly confessed to peddling drugs to repay a loan from a microfinance bank.

Between January and June 23, the Edo Command recorded the seizure of 53,520.8kg of cannabis, 0.0216kg of Cocaine, 0.0111kg of Heroin, 1.0775kg of Methamphetamine, 78.3kg of Psychotropic substances, 191.5 litres of Codeine syrup, 2.7 ampoules of Pentazocine injection, 19 foil packs of Cannabis-laced cookies

Ofoyeju confirmed the destruction of 18 cannabis farms, 24 convictions, and the provision of counselling services to 194 drug-dependent clients, with 19 fully rehabilitated. He emphasized the agency’s resolve to crack down on traffickers regardless of their disguise.

“The arrest of Abumere and the closure of Big Jamaya Supermarket in Ekpoma send a strong warning to traffickers—no hiding place,” he said.

He also reported 110 pending cases in court, reinforcing NDLEA’s commitment to ensuring offenders face the full force of the law.