Metro

NDLEA Arrests 46 Suspects, Seizes 40,000 KG Of Drugs

Published

9 months ago

August 11, 2025

Editor

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has arrested 46 suspects, while seizing over 39,977 kilograms of assorted drugs in the month of July 2025.

The agency also destroyed seven cannabis plantations spanning 15.85 hectares across two local government areas.

Speaking in Benin City while presenting the command’s July operations report, the Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the raids were carried out in Ihama Road and other known drug hotspots across Edo State.

“The July result reflects the ongoing commitment to dismantling drug trafficking operations in the state. We apprehended 46 drug suspects, comprising 38 males and 8 females. A total of seven cannabis farms measuring 15.85 hectares across Oke Forest in Uhunmwonde and Ewere Forest in Uzebba, Owan West Local Government Areas, were destroyed.

“In all, we successfully took 39,983.294 kg of narcotic drugs out of illicit circulation. The breakdown of the drugs is as follows: cannabis, 39,977.644 kg; psychotropic substances, 5.5753 kg; methamphetamine, 0.26 grammes; cocaine, 0.0598 grammes; and 5.8 litres of codeine syrup,” he stated.

Ofoyeju added that the agency’s operations throughout July were driven by intelligence, which enabled the successful dismantling of several drug hubs and the arrest of high-profile traffickers.

“Among those apprehended was 49-year-old Alaba Monday, a suspected drug baron and long-wanted cannabis cultivator from Owan West. He was found at one of the illicit farms with eleven bags of processed cannabis weighing 115 kg.

“In a separate operation, 40-year-old Yusuf Isuku from Etsako West was intercepted along Wareke Road, Auchi, with 22 parcels of skunk—a potent cannabis strain—hidden in black Bacco bags filled with garri. The drugs weighed a total of 10.265 kg.

“Another arrest was made along the Igara-Auchi Road in Igara, where 48-year-old Josiah Friday from Akoko Edo was caught transporting five bags of cannabis weighing 36 kg concealed in black polythene sacks.

“Also taken into custody was Izunna Nwankwo, 26, from Ishielu Local Government Area in Ebonyi State. He was nabbed along Benin-Auchi Road with a large cache of psychotropic substances including 15,400 capsules of tramadol, 200 tablets of swinol, 357 tablets of molly, and 54 bottles of codeine syrup.”

“The NDLEA has also focused on dismantling local drug markets, particularly along Ihama Road in Benin City’s GRA. Arrested during the crackdown were Emmanuel Onaji, 29, from Ogbadibo in Benue State, found in possession of molly; Joshua Paul, 21, from Ovia North East, Edo State, caught with Loud; Prosper Titus, 20, from Gboko, Benue State, also caught with Loud; Andy Obioma, 28, from Kana in Rivers State; and 23-year-old Agu Emmanuel from Kachia, Kaduna State, likewise found with Loud.”

Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA also made strides in drug demand reduction.

According to the agency, 32 individuals received brief intervention counselling, while eleven persons are undergoing rehabilitation at the command’s facility.

Several public sensitisation campaigns were held throughout the month, reaching an estimated audience of over 8,000 people.

Reiterating the agency’s resolve, Ofoyeju declared: “The command remains resolute in its mandate to eradicate drug trafficking in Edo State.

“We will ensure the prosecution of all those arrested and continue our efforts to dismantle the drug cartels threatening the social fabric of our communities.”

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.