Nigeria: NDLEA raids drug hotspot in Edo, arrests three suspects
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raided a suspected drug hotspot along Ihama Road in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, arresting three individuals and recovering illicit substances.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the agency’s Edo State Command as part of ongoing efforts to tackle drug trafficking and the distribution of illegal substances across the state.
The state NDLEA Commander, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the development in a statement to journalists on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
According to Ofoyeju, the raid was conducted in line with the directive of the agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), to intensify efforts against drug-related activities.
The commander identified the arrested suspects as Omoreghan Paul, 26, Omoruyi Osarobo and Obed Osagie.
He disclosed that Omoreghan Paul was apprehended with 3.17 grammes of cannabis, popularly known as loud, while Osarobo and Osagie were found in possession of six cylinders of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas.
The NDLEA further revealed that Osarobo is from Orhionmwon Local Government Area, while Osagie hails from Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State.
Ofoyeju said the agency’s intensified operations were aimed at dismantling drug distribution networks and preventing individuals involved in illicit activities from using public spaces as operational bases.
He added that the usually busy area had become deserted between Wednesday and Thursday following the deployment of a patrol team for round-the-clock stop-and-search operations.
According to him, suspected drug traffickers, miscreants and commercial sex workers had reportedly fled the area following the increased security presence.
The commander assured residents that the operation would be sustained, warning that the agency would not provide hiding places for drug dealers and traffickers.
