NDLEA to raid drug hotspots ahead of Edo LG election

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced that it will intensify raids on identified drug hotspots in Edo State in preparation for the July 11 local government election.

State Commander Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju made the statement on Tuesday in Benin while meeting the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo, Mr Obo Effanga.

Ofoyeju said the operation aims to curb drug‑related violence and ensure peaceful polling.

He added that the agency will carry out targeted operations before, during, and after the elections to prevent criminal elements from exploiting illicit drugs to incite violence.

“We will conduct targeted raid operations on identified drug flashpoints before, during and after the elections,” he said. “Our goal is to take illicit drugs off the streets and deny criminal elements the means to cause disruption. Nigerians deserve peaceful and credible elections, and NDLEA will continue to play its part in ensuring that objective is achieved.”

Earlier, Effanga praised the agency for its support and professionalism during previous elections in the state. He noted that NDLEA’s efforts in tackling drug abuse and trafficking have significantly reduced incidents of drug‑induced violence that could undermine peaceful electoral processes.

The REC urged renewed collaboration between INEC and the agency ahead of future elections, emphasizing that substance abuse remains a major trigger of electoral violence.

In a separate meeting, Ofoyeju also received the President of the Faculty of Peace Organisation, Comrade Osunbor Omokaro, and members of his delegation.

Omokaro stated that the organisation is committed to promoting peace, accountability, budget tracking, and drug‑abuse prevention among young people. He commended the NDLEA Edo Command for its efforts to reduce the supply of illicit drugs and called for stronger collaboration in advocacy, sensitisation, and community outreach programmes.

He said sustained public enlightenment and stakeholder engagement are critical to addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse among youths.

Responding, Ofoyeju expressed appreciation for the organisation’s intervention efforts and pledged the command’s support for initiatives to prevent drug abuse.

“Drug abuse prevention requires collective action,” he said. “We welcome partners who are committed to building a drug‑free society through education, advocacy and accountability. Together, we can protect more young people from the dangers associated with illicit drug use.”

The NDLEA commander added that the agency will continue to strengthen partnerships with government institutions, civil society groups, and community‑based organisations in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

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