NDLEA arrests 49 in Edo, expresses concern over growing female involvement in drug-related crimes
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed concern over the high number of females involved in drug-related crimes in the country, saying that no fewer than 29 female suspects were arrested in the month of July in the State.
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed concern over the high number of females involved in drug-related crimes in the country, saying that no fewer than 29 female suspects were arrested in the month of July in the State.
Mitchell Oyoyefu, the Edo State Commander of NDLEA, stated this on Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Benin City while reeling out the scorecards of the Command in the outgoing month.
Oyoyefu said, in the period under review, 49 suspects were arrested in the state with 2,596.29 kilogrammes of illicit drugs.
He said out of the figures, 29 are females while 20 are males.
He, however, expressed concern for the high numbers of females allegedly involved in drug-related crimes, noting that it highlighted a shift in the socio-economic vulnerability of women and a breakdown of traditional family stability.
He said the command is strategising on family value re-orientation to address the negative development.
The Edo NDLEA Commander added that within the period, three warehouses were detected and raided in the state.
He explained that two of the warehouses were located in Benin City and one at Illushi, in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
He posited that in a decisive move to eradicate drug production, the command destroyed one cannabis farm located in the Egbisi forest of Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.
“The farm measured an extensive 0.640903 hectares and was estimated to yield around 1,602.26 kilograms of cannabis.
“The destruction represented a crucial victory in the NDLEA’s mission to dismantle drug production operations within Edo State”, he said.
He also added that two vehicles, a Toyota Sienna with registration number Ondo NND 975 AG and a Toyota Camry with registration number Edo BEN 503 BK used in transporting cannabis, were equally intercepted.
Ofoyeju said a 30-year-old Osas Ogieva was arrested in connection with the Toyota Sienna conveying 43 bags of cannabis weighing 468kg.
He alleged that the suspect, who confessed to being a transporter, stated that he started the cannabis business a few months ago.
He also alleged that the suspect said he was being promised to be paid a N5000 pey bag.
The Edo State NDLEA boss further explained that cannabis led the seizure list with 2,588.4 kilograms, psychotropic substances 6.13 kilograms, cocaine 0.071 kg, heroin 0.005 kg, and methamphetamine 1.68 kg.
“Additionally, the command seized 15.3 litres of codeine cough syrup and 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas. These assorted narcotics underscored the varied nature of substances being trafficked and abused within the state”, he added.
Ofoyeju also stated that the Command secured convictions of four notable drug traffickers during the month under review.
He said, in its commitment to addressing drug abuse, 24 individuals with drug use problems were counselled and reunited with family members.
He stated that the conviction of the suspects and counselling illustrated the agency’s holistic approach towards combating drug-related issues within the community.
