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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, has recovered 604.5kg of cannabis and arrested nine suspected drug peddlers in separate operations across Edo State.
The Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the cannabis was recovered during a raid on a notorious drug hub in Ewe Luleha, Owan West Local Government Area, on August 5, 2026.
According to him, NDLEA operatives and soldiers seized 65 bags of dried weeds that tested positive for skunk cannabis during the operation.
Ofoyeju said the agency had launched a manhunt for a suspected drug kingpin identified as Sunday, who fled the area following the seizure.
He assured that the suspect would be apprehended, saying the agency was tracking his whereabouts.
“The operation carried out by men of the NDLEA and personnel of the Nigerian Army resulted in the seizure of 65 bags of dried weeds that tested positive for skunk cannabis, weighing 604.5kg.
“We are tracking the suspected drug kingpin, one Sunday, who is in hiding following the recovery of the 604.5kg of cannabis in the operation. He has nowhere to hide because we will certainly apprehend him,” he said.
In a separate operation targeting drug hotspots across the state, nine suspected drug peddlers were arrested with various illicit substances.
The suspects included 58-year-old Musa Muhammed from Bauchi, who was found with 280g of Cannabis sativa, 35g of Loud and 1.4g of Colorado.
Others were 55-year-old Ebere Anthony from Delta, who was arrested with 1.5kg of Cannabis sativa; 31-year-old Gift Oliseyenum from Delta, who had 74g of Cannabis sativa, 45g of Loud, 2.5g of Colorado and 4.7g of methamphetamine; and 27-year-old Boniface George, also from Delta, who was found with 195g of Cannabis sativa.
The agency also arrested 28-year-old Muzamilu Mustapha from Katsina with 40g of Loud and 80g of Cannabis sativa.
The remaining suspects were 27-year-old Faustina Peter and 36-year-old Chucks Odili, both from Delta, who were found with 35g of Loud, 10g of Colorado and 0.8g of methamphetamine.
Others were 17-year-old Anna Agbona from Edo, who was arrested with 25g of Tramadol, and 42-year-old Julius Enebuli from Delta, who was found with 1kg of Cannabis sativa, 65g of Loud and 15g of Colorado.
Ofoyeju commended the joint operation, describing the seizures and arrests as significant progress in the fight against drug trafficking in the state.
He said combating illicit drug trafficking remained a priority for the agency, adding that investigations into drug-related activities would continue while suspects would be diligently prosecuted.
The commander also urged residents to provide information that could help authorities locate the fleeing suspect and support efforts to curb drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State.
“These arrests and drug seizures not only highlight the efforts of law enforcement but also signify the increasing need for community involvement in reporting illicit activities, as the agency continues its mission to rid society of drug-related issues.
“I urge members of the public to provide any information that may lead to the apprehension of the fleeing suspect and to support ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State”, Ofoyeju added.
