FIC Report (Edo State) – The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in its ongoing fight against drug trafficking, arresting a 68-year-old Grandmother alongside six other Individuals and seizing nearly two tonnes of illicit Substances.
According to reports by DAILY POST, the operation led to the interception of approximately 1,956.92 kilograms of suspected Cannabis, highlighting the scale and severity of Drug-Related Crimes in the region.
The State Commander of NDLEA, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, revealed that the Grandmother, identified as Evelyn Ogenewu, was apprehended in connection with the illicit trade. She was arrested in tandem with a 43-year-Old Suspect, Friday Iruoje. During the Operation, Authorities recovered 23 kilograms of processed cannabis from the suspects.
Further investigations and raids uncovered substantial quantities of cannabis in different locations. At the Yoruba Camp within Olumoye Forest in Ovia North East Local Government Area, NDLEA officers seized about 563.5 kilograms of skunk cannabis, a potent and highly addictive form of the drug.
In a Separate Operation at Otuo Forest in Owan East Local Government Area, the agency uncovered eight bags and 60 compressed blocks of skunk cannabis concealed within a cocoa plantation, weighing approximately 103.57 kilograms.
The NDLEA also apprehended five male suspects—Murtala Mohammed, Abdulkadir Idris, Ufoma Edafe, Anthony Aghati, and Emmanuel Owalu—during a raid targeting suspected drug traffickers.
Commenting on these successes, Dr. Ofoyeju emphasized that the agency has maintained a relentless campaign against illegal cannabis cultivation and trafficking, especially during the dry season when many farms are destroyed. He affirmed that these operations reflect the NDLEA’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illicit drug networks across Edo State.
The NDLEA boss assured the public that investigations into all cases are ongoing, with further developments anticipated as law enforcement authorities pursue justice and hold offenders accountable.
He called on residents to remain vigilant and collaborate with NDLEA officials in safeguarding the state from the harmful effects of illicit drugs, emphasizing that community cooperation is vital in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Signed
Adu Stella Nneka,
SI&PRO, FIC Benin,
February 25, 2026
