The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has arrested 42 suspected drug offenders and seized more than 271 kilogrammes of illicit substances in September 2026, while destroying 10 cannabis farms estimated to have yielded 9,248 kilogrammes of cannabis.

The command also declared a suspected drug trafficker, Gospel Mudiaga Odeh, popularly known as Omega, wanted following an operation in which he reportedly escaped arrest. His Toyota Matrix vehicle, narcotics and other exhibits, including ₦1.16 million in cash, were recovered.

The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the figures in the command’s monthly operational report, which covered enforcement activities, prosecution, drug rehabilitation and public awareness initiatives.

According to Ofoyeju, the 42 suspects arrested comprised 22 females and 20 males. He attributed the arrests to intelligence-led operations conducted under the agency’s national enforcement mandate.

During the operation targeting Odeh, operatives reportedly arrested his 26-year-old sales assistant, Ojugo Mercy. The agency said she was found with 989 grammes of a substance identified as Loud, 13 grammes of Colorado and 83 grammes of methamphetamine.

Odeh reportedly fled, abandoning his black Toyota Matrix. The command said a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 65 grammes of cannabis, ₦1.16 million and 55 Ethiopian birr, which were documented as exhibits.

Ofoyeju said the command would continue efforts to locate the wanted suspect and bring him before the appropriate authorities.

The commander also expressed concern about the number of women allegedly involved in illicit drug trafficking in the state, noting that females accounted for more than half of the suspects arrested during the reporting period.

Beyond arrests and seizures, the NDLEA reported the destruction of 10 cannabis farms covering approximately 3.70 hectares across parts of Edo State.

The agency estimated that the destroyed plantations could have produced 9,248.2575 kilogrammes of cannabis, representing the largest component of the reported drug seizures and destruction operations.

The affected locations included Monday Camp in Ovia South West, Igwe-Oke Community Forest in Owan East, Okagboro Forest and Ukporwoya Forest in Owan West, as well as Eko Camp in Illushi, Esan South East.

The command said the operations formed part of its strategy to disrupt the cultivation and distribution of illicit drugs, particularly cannabis.

Other substances intercepted during the month included 245.29 kilogrammes of cannabis, 25.97 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances and 0.66 kilogramme of methamphetamine. The report also listed 62.6 litres of codeine syrup.

The NDLEA’s figures distinguish between the estimated cannabis yield from destroyed farms and other drugs intercepted during enforcement operations. The distinction is important when assessing the scale of seizures and the agency’s wider efforts to prevent illicit substances from entering the market.

The command’s September activities also included legal proceedings against suspected drug offenders.

According to the report, the prosecution unit secured three convictions during the month, while 83 cases remained before the courts.

The figures indicate that enforcement activities are continuing alongside legal processes aimed at prosecuting alleged offenders. However, the number of ongoing cases does not establish their eventual outcomes, which will depend on the relevant judicial proceedings.

The command also reported interventions aimed at helping people affected by substance abuse.

During the period, 28 clients received counselling, while vocational training programmes included tailoring, embroidery and liquid soap production. The initiatives were intended to support rehabilitation, develop practical skills and facilitate participants’ reintegration into society.

In a separate community outreach initiative, the Edo State NDLEA Command collaborated with the Edo State Drug Control Committee to organise the Okpebholo/Marwa Marathon Against Drug Abuse.

The event focused on raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse among secondary school students. Three winners reportedly received scholarships to support their education.

The initiative reflects the importance of prevention and public education alongside arrests and prosecution, particularly among young people who may be vulnerable to substance misuse.

Drug trafficking and substance abuse remain public health and law enforcement concerns, requiring coordinated responses from government agencies, schools, families, community organisations and healthcare providers.

While seizures and arrests can disrupt illegal supply networks, rehabilitation, early intervention and sustained public education are also important components of a comprehensive response.

The Edo State Command has called for greater cooperation from stakeholders as it continues its enforcement, rehabilitation and drug-prevention activities.

The September report provides a snapshot of the command’s operations, although the long-term impact of the interventions will depend on continued enforcement, successful prosecutions, effective rehabilitation and measurable reductions in illicit drug cultivation and distribution.Against Drug Abuse.

The NDLEA in Edo State reports 42 arrests, narcotics seizures, the destruction of 10 cannabis farms, three convictions and drug rehabilitation initiatives in September 2026.