NDLEA’s Massive Edo Raid: 1,200 arrested

By Usman Aliyu & Imelda Osayande

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it arrested more than 1,200 suspects and seized over 30 tonnes of illicit substances in Edo in 2025.

Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said this on Wednesday in Benin during a visit to the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

Marwa, who was accompanied by senior agency officials, including the NDLEA commandants in Edo and Delta, sought the traditional ruler’s support in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

He said more than 15 million Nigerians were abusing drugs, representing about three times the global average, with devastating consequences for young people, families and communities.

“The drug scourge has continued to devastate our youth, our families and our communities,” he said.

Marwa said the problem affected all communities, including the Benin Kingdom, and required a collective response involving traditional institutions, religious organisations, civil society groups, government and the media.

“But most importantly, the traditional institution, which is arguably the most respected institution in Nigeria today,” he said.

He explained that the NDLEA’s responsibilities included enforcing drug laws and providing counselling, treatment and rehabilitation for people struggling with drug dependence.

Marwa also highlighted alternative development as a new pillar of the agency’s drug control strategy, aimed at encouraging cannabis farmers to cultivate legal crops such as cassava, yam and maize.

He said cannabis accounted for 75 per cent of the 16 million kilogrammes of illicit substances seized by the agency nationwide in the past six years.

According to him, the initiative seeks to help farmers abandon illicit cultivation for legitimate livelihoods, with government support for infrastructure, including roads, schools, clinics and water supply.

Marwa said the programme had commenced as a pilot project in three communities in Ondo State, with the possibility of extending it to Edo.

He added that he had presented the proposal to the Edo governor, who welcomed the initiative. The NDLEA chairman sought the Oba’s blessing and support in encouraging communities across the kingdom to shun drug abuse and trafficking.

Responding, Oba Ewuare II commended Marwa for his efforts against drug abuse and other social problems. The traditional ruler said he had a suggestion for improving the agency’s operations and would communicate it privately to Marwa.

“I have a suggestion I will make in writing that I will not want to say here in public to NDLEA, as my own thinking on how to improve the work of NDLEA,” he said.

The Oba also acknowledged the importance of collective efforts in addressing societal challenges and wished Marwa and his delegation well.

NAN