The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended 42 suspected drug traffickers with a total of 9,520 kilograms of narcotics in September 2026. A suspected drug baron, Gospel Mudiaga Odeh, also known as Omega, was declared wanted by the command. His Toyota Matrix, drugs, and monetary exhibits were confiscated. The Commander of NDLEA in Edo, Mitchell Ofoyeju, detailed the achievements in the monthly operational scorecard of the agency.
The arrests were made possible through several intelligence-led operations as mandated by the Chairman Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (RTD). Out of the 42 suspects arrested, 22 are females, while 20 are males. One suspected notorious drug trafficker, Gospel Mudiaga Odeh, who narrowly escaped arrest, had been declared wanted. His salesgirl, Ojugo Mercy, 26 years old, was nabbed with assorted drugs.
The enforcement actions by the command resulted in the seizure of 9,520 kilograms of illicit substances, which included 9,248.2575 kg of cannabis plantations destroyed and 271.92348 kg of other drugs intercepted. This breakdown includes 245.29 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 25.97 kg of psychotropic substances, 0.66 kg of methamphetamine, and 62.6 litres of codeine syrup.
In line with the mandate of eradicating drug cultivation, the NDLEA identified and destroyed ten cannabis farms spanning an area of 3.699303 hectares with an estimated yield of 9,248.2575 kg. The analysis of the cannabis farms reveals details about their locations, sizes, and yields. Farms 1 and 2, located at Monday Camp Ovia South West, covered 0.817148 and 0.111596 hectares, yielding 2,042.87 kg and 278.99 kg respectively.
The NDLEA also provided details about the other cannabis farms. Farms 3 and 4 in Igwe-Oke Community Forest, Owan East, measured 0.623703 and 0.380575 hectares with yields of 1,559.2575 kg and 951.4375 kg. Farm 5, situated in Okagboro Forest, Owan West, spanned 0.336646 hectares with a yield of 841.615 kg. Additionally, Farms 6, 7, and 8 in Ukporwoya Forest, Owan West, occupied 0.123755, 0.594138, and 0.167650 hectares.
The Command’s prosecution unit secured three convictions and currently has 83 ongoing cases. The Command also emphasised rehabilitation efforts by counselling 28 clients and offering vocational training, including skills in tailoring, embroidery, and liquid soap production, aimed at facilitating lasting reintegration into society.
The Edo State Command collaborated with the Edo State Drug Control Committee (ESDCC) to host the Okpebholo/Marwa Marathon Against Drug Abuse. The event was aimed at raising awareness and preventing drug abuse among secondary school students. It concluded successfully with three prize winners being awarded scholarships to further their education. The Edo Command of the NDLEA said it remained steadfast in its battle against the drug problem in the State.
Key points
- The NDLEA arrested 42 suspected drug traffickers and seized 9,520 kilograms of narcotics in September 2026.
- A suspected drug baron, Gospel Mudiaga Odeh, was declared wanted by the command.
- The NDLEA destroyed ten cannabis farms spanning an area of 3.699303 hectares with an estimated yield of 9,248.2575 kg.
