BENIN CITY, Nigeria — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has arrested 42 suspected drug traffickers and seized approximately 9.52 tonnes of illicit substances during enforcement operations conducted in September 2026.
The agency has also declared Gospel Mudiaga Odeh, popularly known as Omega, wanted after he reportedly escaped arrest during an intelligence-led operation.
The State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the developments while presenting the command’s monthly operational scorecard, which highlighted its activities in drug enforcement, rehabilitation and public education on substance abuse.
According to the commander, the September operations resulted in the arrest of 22 women and 20 men suspected of involvement in drug trafficking.
Ofoyeju said the operations were carried out in line with directives from the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), as the agency intensifies efforts to disrupt drug supply networks across the country.
Suspected Drug Trafficker Escapes Arrest
The commander said Odeh escaped during an operation, abandoning his black Toyota Matrix vehicle.
NDLEA operatives reportedly recovered 65 grammes of cannabis and ₦1.16 million from the vehicle, alongside 55 Ethiopian birr, which the agency listed among the exhibits.
Ofoyeju also disclosed that a 26-year-old woman, identified as Ojugo Mercy and described by the agency as Odeh’s salesgirl, was arrested with several suspected illicit substances.
The substances reportedly included 989 grammes of Loud, 13 grammes of Colorado and 83 grammes of methamphetamine.
The agency said Odeh remained wanted and that efforts were underway to locate and prosecute him. The allegations against him have not been determined by a court.
Agency Seizes More Than Nine Tonnes Of Drugs
The command reported seizing 9,520 kilogrammes of illicit substances during September.
A substantial portion of the reported total came from the destruction of cannabis plantations. The NDLEA said operatives identified and destroyed 10 cannabis farms covering approximately 3.70 hectares, with an estimated yield of 9,248.26 kilogrammes.
Other reported seizures included 245.29 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, 25.97 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances, 0.66 kilogramme of methamphetamine and 62.6 litres of codeine-based cough syrup.
The figures reflect the command’s enforcement activities during the month, including efforts to prevent cultivated cannabis and other controlled substances from entering distribution channels.
Three Convictions, 83 Cases Pending
Beyond arrests and seizures, the command reported securing three convictions during September, while 83 cases remained pending before various courts.
The figures highlight the legal process that follows drug-related arrests, with suspects investigated and prosecuted where sufficient evidence is established.
The agency did not provide details of the individual cases resulting in the three convictions in the reported scorecard.
NDLEA Expands Rehabilitation Efforts
The command also reported providing counselling to 28 clients as part of its efforts to address substance abuse.
According to Ofoyeju, the agency supported rehabilitation and reintegration through vocational training in skills such as tailoring, embroidery and liquid soap production.
The initiatives are intended to help people affected by substance use develop practical skills and improve their prospects of returning to productive community life.
The command also called for stronger cooperation among government agencies, communities and other stakeholders to address drug trafficking and substance abuse in Edo State.
The NDLEA has continued to combine enforcement operations with prevention, counselling and public awareness campaigns under its broader drug-control strategy.
The latest figures show that the Edo command’s September activities extended beyond arrests to include farm destruction, prosecutions and rehabilitation. The agency says it will continue pursuing suspected traffickers, including Odeh, as investigations proceed.
