The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, working with personnel of the Nigerian Army, has seized 65 bags of skunk cannabis weighing 604.5kg during a raid in the state.
The state NDLEA commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, stating that the operation was conducted on August 5, 2026, at a notorious drug hub in Ewe Luleha, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to him, the command has commenced efforts to locate a suspected drug kingpin identified as Sunday, who reportedly fled the area after the operation. Ofoyeju said the suspect would soon be apprehended.
“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.”
In another operation aimed at removing illicit drugs from circulation in the state, Ofoyeju said nine suspected drug dealers were arrested at different drug hotspots across Edo State.
Among those arrested was 58-year-old Musa Muhammed, a grandfather, along with eight other suspects comprising four men and four women. The suspects were reportedly found with various illegal substances.
Ofoyeju said Musa, a native of Bauchi, was arrested with 280 grams of Cannabis sativa, 35 grams of Loud and 1.4 grams of Colorado. Ebere Anthony, 55, from Delta State, was found with 1.5kg of Cannabis sativa.
Gift Oliseyenum, 31, also from Delta, was arrested with 74 grams of Cannabis sativa, 45 grams of Loud, 2.5 grams of Colorado and 4.7 grams of methamphetamine. Boniface George, 27, from Delta, was found with 195 grams of Cannabis sativa.
Muzamilu Mustapha, 28, from Katsina State, was arrested with 40 grams of Loud and 80 grams of Cannabis sativa.
The remaining suspects, according to Ofoyeju, included 27-year-old Faustina Peter and 36-year-old Chucks Odili, both from Delta State. They were found with 35 grams of Loud, 10 grams of Colorado and 0.8 grams of methamphetamine.
Anna Agbona, 17, from Edo State, was arrested with 25 grams of Tramado, while Julius Enebuli, 42, from Delta State, was found with 1kg of Cannabis sativa, 65 grams of Loud and 15 grams of Colorado.
The commander described the operation as a significant contribution to the ongoing fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State. He stressed that combating narcotics remains a major priority for the agency and assured residents that investigations into drug-related activities and the prosecution of suspects would continue.
“These arrests and drug seizures do 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.