NDLEA Arrests 289 Suspects, Secures 52 Convictions Since January – Mitchell

NDLEA reported that 289 suspected drug traffickers have been arrested in Edo State since January 2026.

Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the state commander of NDLEA, announced the figures at the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Benin City.

The theme of the event was “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”

Ofoyeju said that of the 289 suspects arrested, 176 were males and 113 were females.

He added that a total of 52 suspects were convicted, comprising 47 males and five females.

He also disclosed that a total of 35,008.38 kilograms of cannabis was seized.

The seized cannabis included 14,705.31 kilograms recovered from traffickers and 20,303.07 kilograms destroyed on cannabis plantations.

He further stated that 135 persons, comprising 101 males and 34 females with drug abuse problems, received counselling services, while 33 anti‑drug abuse sensitisation programmes were conducted, reaching 6,092 participants.

Mitchell said the NDLEA cannot win the war against drug trafficking alone despite the impressive statistics, noting that the global drug problem is a family, community and national security issue.

“I implore parents and guardians to be the first line of defence. Talk to your children, monitor their behaviour, know their friends and be sensitive to early warning signs,” he said.

He urged youths in the state not to allow drugs to rob them of their dreams, health and future.

He also urged traditional rulers and religious leaders, as the moral compass of society, to use their influence to advocate for drug‑free communities.

Mitchell vowed that the command is committed to making Edo State a hostile environment for drug traffickers.

He reassured the people of the state that the agency remains professional, uncompromising and innovative, adding that it will make the state a hostile environment for drug traffickers and a safe space for recovery and rehabilitation.

In his remarks, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and other stakeholders, including the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun; the State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika; and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Edo State chapter, called for innovative responses to address the age‑long problem of drug trafficking and abuse.

Governor Okpebholo, represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Drug Policy and Trafficking Control, Andrew Efe, stressed his commitment to establishing zero tolerance for drug trafficking in Edo State.

“When drug traffickers think they are clever in crime, we will make them understand that we