FIC Report (Edo State) – The Edo State Government has declared that the state is no longer a safe haven for drug traffickers, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse. It warned that anyone involved in the illicit trade would be identified, arrested, prosecuted, and made to face the full weight of the law.
The declaration was made during the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, jointly organised by the Edo State Government and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Senior Special Assistant on Drug and Illicit Trafficking Control, Hon. Andrew Efe, described drug abuse as a major public health challenge that requires sustained collaboration among government, security agencies, families, schools, and religious institutions.
He said the state government, in partnership with the NDLEA and health institutions, is expanding access to counselling and rehabilitation services for victims of substance abuse.
“We will not abandon our sons and daughters who are victims of drug addiction. We will give them the opportunity to recover and rebuild their lives. This fight cannot be won by government and the NDLEA alone. Prevention starts at home. Parents must engage their children, while schools, churches and mosques should make anti-drug education an integral part of their moral teachings,” Efe said.
He reaffirmed Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to intensifying the fight against illicit drugs through stronger collaboration with relevant stakeholders and urged Edo residents to support efforts aimed at building a drug-free society.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, represented by the Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Nimata Umar Ikhilor, said the battle against narcotics must evolve to meet emerging threats, particularly those posed by digital platforms.
She noted that substance abuse continues to endanger families and communities by destroying the future of young people.
“We cannot afford to assume that our children are immune to this problem. Every parent, guardian, teacher and community leader has a responsibility to stay alert, stay informed and take deliberate steps to protect our young people.
“Drugs are no longer distributed only on our streets and in our neighbourhoods. They now reach our children through social media and digital devices. Our strategies must therefore evolve. We must embrace innovation, education and technology as part of our response,” she said.
Barr. Ikhilor disclosed that the Edo State Government is partnering with the NDLEA and the Edo State Drug Control Committee to strengthen awareness, prevention, treatment and recovery programmes, while also providing parents with digital safety resources to help safeguard their children.
She reiterated that Edo State would not provide refuge for drug traffickers, stressing that offenders would be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, represented by CSP Ibhadode Eromonsele, described drugs as substances capable of altering the body’s biological processes and warned that their abuse contributes significantly to crime, ill health and family instability.
He cited global statistics showing that over 270 million people used drugs in 2020, identifying cannabis, tramadol and fentanyl as among the most commonly abused substances. He emphasized that prevention, early intervention and treatment remain critical to addressing the growing challenge.
Earlier, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Edo State Command, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, revealed that between January and June 2026, the command arrested 289 suspects, seized or destroyed 35,008 kilograms of illicit drugs, secured 52 convictions, counselled 135 persons, and reached more than 6,000 people through 33 drug awareness programmes.
He highlighted several major operations carried out during the period, including the interception of cannabis concealed inside a shrine, the seizure of two trucks conveying over 7,245 kilograms of cannabis, the destruction of 13 cannabis plantations, and the dismantling of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory involving foreign nationals.
Commander Ofoyeju stressed that the fight against drug trafficking and abuse requires collective responsibility, urging parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to play active roles in protecting young people from substance abuse.
He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to professionalism and pledged continued collaboration with the Edo State Government, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media to make Edo State increasingly hostile to drug traffickers while supporting rehabilitation and recovery initiatives.
The event attracted top government officials, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, representatives of private institutions, civil society organisations, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students from secondary schools and other stakeholders. Highlights included drama performances, cultural displays and a quiz competition among participating secondary schools.
Signed:
Omoluogbe Ruth
FIC Benin city
June 29th,2026
