The Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, has disclosed that operatives of the agency confiscated cannabis valued at ₦724.5 million on Saturday.
Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City on Monday, Ofoyeju revealed that the drugs—483 bags weighing 7,245kg—were concealed in two articulated trucks typically used for conveying alcoholic beverages.
He identified five suspects linked to the illegal shipment as Ibrahim Abu (29), Abu Abdullazeez (28), Jibril Jaminu (35), Andrew Moses (22), and Ganiyu Abu (21), all male natives of Etsako East and Etsako West Local Government Areas of Edo State.
He said, “The Edo State Command of the NDLEA has recorded a monumental operational success, with the interception of two articulated trucks laden with 7,245Kg of skunk cannabis and the arrest of five suspected drug traffickers.
“The estimated street value of the drugs is N724.5 million. This is the first time in the history of the command that two trucks laden with illicit drugs are being intercepted at a time, thereby disrupting the inter-state drug trafficking network.”
The commander described the operation as proof of the agency’s dedication and tactical efficiency.
He stressed that the interception sends a strong warning to drug traffickers that Edo is not a safe ground for illegal activities, adding that the large seizure underscores the magnitude of the threat being tackled.
He added, “A breakdown reveals the first truck, with registration number OYO LUY 172 XC, contained 260 bags weighing 3,900 kilograms. The second truck, OYO LUY 281 XC, carried 223 bags weighing 3,345 kilograms. The combined haul totalled 483 bags, with a gross weight of 7,245 kilogrammes (7,245kg).
“The suspects arrested in connection with the illicit consignment are as follows: Ibrahim Abu, 29 years, Abu Abdullazeez, 28 years, Jibril Jaminu, 35 years, Andrew Moses, 22 years, and Ganiyu Abu, 21 years. All the suspects are male indigenes of the Etsako East and Etsako West Local Government Areas of Edo State.
“Preliminary investigation indicates the illicit shipment originated from Sabongida-Ora in Owan West LGA and was destined for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, before the interception. The colossal damage it would have caused to the FCT and the entire north central, save for our intervention, is better left unimagined.
“The trucks and exhibits have been moved to the command headquarters in Benin City for further documentation and investigation, which has commenced in earnest. However, both trucks will be confiscated as instrumentalities of drug crime.”
Ofoyeju assured that investigations are ongoing to uncover the wider network behind the trafficking operation and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting the agency with useful information to help protect communities.
The commander reiterated that the operation aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa.
