The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, has arrested five suspected illicit drug dealers and seized 11,297 capsules of prohibited substances in a series of coordinated operations across Benin City.
A statement issued by the State Commander, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the joint operations recorded a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against illicit drug trafficking and abuse in the state. He noted that the exercise highlighted strengthened inter-agency collaboration in tackling drug-related crimes.
According to him, the operation led to the arrest of a patent medicine vendor, a supermarket owner and three other suspects, alongside the recovery of large quantities of controlled drugs.
The suspects were identified as Akam Theophilus (46), a patent medicine vendor; Ashitor Godfrey (25), a supermarket owner; Asemota Endurance (23); Franklin Kijie (25); and Smart Ekhaitor (39).
The recovered exhibits include 11,297 capsules of tramadol, 400 tablets of diazepam, 108 tablets of Swinol, 22 tablets of Danabol, also known as “Molly,” 3.685 kilogrammes of cannabis, 181 grammes of Loud, 7 grammes of methamphetamine and 10 bottles of codeine cough syrup.
The joint raids targeted identified drug hotspots, including a patent medicine shop near the S&T Barracks, a supermarket opposite Ekenwan Barracks and the notorious Obagie area off Sapele Road in Benin City.
The Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Major General M. Hassan, and the Commander of the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade, Brigadier General A. O. Balogun, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the NDLEA’s mandate.
They stressed that there would be no safe haven for drug traffickers, warning that anyone apprehended around military installations would be handed over to the NDLEA for prosecution.
Dr. Ofoyeju stated that the seamless collaboration with the Nigerian Army aligns with the operational directive of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd).
“I have been mandated by the Chairman to take drug criminals out of the state. Drug is a catalyst for crime. Anyone hiding under the canopy of a patent medicine shop or supermarket to peddle tramadol, Swinol, diazepam, codeine cough syrup and cannabis will not go unpunished. This is unacceptable, and the law must take its full course,” he said.
He added that the operation sends a strong message to drug traffickers, particularly those operating around sensitive locations such as barracks, that there is no shield or safe haven for criminal activities.
Ofoyeju further warned that targeting youths with illicit drugs amounts to an attack on the nation’s future and would be met with the full force of the law. He urged members of the public to provide useful and credible information to the agency, assuring them of strict confidentiality.
The suspects are currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to ensure their prosecution.
