The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 42 suspected drug traffickers and seized 9,520kg of illicit drugs in September 2026.
The command also declared a suspected drug baron, Gospel Mudiaga Odeh, alias Omega, wanted over alleged drug-related offences, after he narrowly escaped arrest during an operation.
His black Toyota Matrix car, narcotics and cash were among exhibits recovered by operatives of the agency.
The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this yesterday while presenting the command’s monthly operational scorecard, saying the agency had sustained its efforts in drug law enforcement, rehabilitation of drug users and public enlightenment on the dangers of substance abuse.
Ofoyeju said the arrests were achieved through several intelligence-led operations carried out in line with the directives of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), CON.
According to him, 22 of the 42 suspects arrested were females, while 20 were males.
He said one of the suspects, Odeh, aka Omega, a suspected notorious drug trafficker, escaped during an operation and had subsequently been declared wanted by the command.
His salesgirl, 26-year-old Ojugo Mercy, was, however, arrested with assorted illicit drugs, including 989 grammes of Loud, 13 grammes of Colorado and 83 grammes of methamphetamine.
“Mudiaga reportedly fled, leaving behind his black Toyota Matrix car.
“Exhibits recovered from the car include 65 grammes of cannabis and N1.16 million, as well as 55 Ethiopian birr, which had been documented as an instrument of crime.
“Mudiaga can run, but he certainly has no hiding place because the command has been mandated by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer to find and prosecute him accordingly,” Ofoyeju said.
The commander also expressed concern over the increasing involvement of females in illicit drug trafficking in the state.
According to him, the enforcement operations conducted by the command during the period resulted in the seizure of 9,520kg of illicit substances.
He said 9,248.2575kg of cannabis plantations were destroyed, while 271.92348kg of other illicit drugs were intercepted.
The breakdown, according to him, comprised 245.29kg of Cannabis Sativa, 25.97kg of psychotropic substances, 0.66kg of methamphetamine and 62.6 litres of codeine syrup.
Ofoyeju said the command also identified and destroyed 10 cannabis farms covering 3.699303 hectares, with an estimated yield of 9,248.2575kg of cannabis.
He said the destruction of the farms demonstrated the command’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking at its source and addressing factors fuelling the illicit trade.
The commander further disclosed that the command secured three convictions during the period, while 83 cases were still pending in court.
He said the command had also intensified its drug demand reduction efforts, counselling 28 clients and providing vocational training in tailoring, embroidery and liquid soap production to facilitate their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Ofoyeju said the command remained committed to the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse in Edo State, and called for greater support and cooperation from stakeholders to effectively tackle the menace
