NDLEA raises concern over growing involvement of women in illicit drug trafficking, secures fresh convictions and promotes 73 officers amid intensified anti-narcotics operations in Edo State.
By Ikpomosa Daniel
Benin City, Edo State | July 30, 2026
The fight against illicit drug trafficking in Edo State has taken an unexpected turn as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) revealed that women accounted for the majority of drug suspects arrested in July 2026, highlighting what officials describe as an emerging and disturbing trend in Nigeria’s narcotics trade.
According to the Edo State Command, 29 women and 20 men were arrested during coordinated anti-drug operations conducted across the state in July. The operations also led to the seizure of more than 2.59 tonnes of illicit drugs, the discovery of three suspected drug warehouses, the destruction of a cannabis plantation, and the interception of vehicles allegedly used to transport narcotics.
The latest figures have raised concerns among security experts and social development advocates about the increasing involvement of women in organised drug trafficking networks, prompting renewed calls for both stronger law enforcement and targeted socio-economic interventions.
Women Account for Majority of July Drug Arrests
Speaking during the decoration ceremony of 73 newly promoted NDLEA personnel in Benin City, the State Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that women represented nearly 60 per cent of all suspects arrested during the month.
Out of 49 suspects apprehended, 29 were women, while 20 were men.
The commander described the development as a significant shift from previous trends in which men traditionally dominated drug-related arrests.
According to him, the statistics suggest deeper social and economic challenges confronting vulnerable groups within society.
NDLEA Links Trend to Economic Hardship and Social Challenges
Ofoyeju attributed the increasing number of female suspects to broader socio-economic pressures affecting Nigerian households.
He argued that the pattern reflects:
- Rising economic vulnerability among women.
- Increasing unemployment.
- Family instability.
- Growing recruitment of women by organised drug trafficking syndicates.
Security analysts note that women are sometimes recruited into trafficking operations because criminal organisations perceive them as less likely to attract suspicion during transportation or distribution activities.
However, experts caution that further research is required to determine whether the Edo figures represent a long-term national trend or a temporary operational pattern.
Over 2.59 Tonnes of Drugs Seized
The command reported that a total of 2,596.29 kilograms of narcotic substances were recovered during operations conducted throughout July.
The breakdown includes:
- Cannabis: 2,588.40 kilograms
- Psychotropic substances: 6.13 kilograms
- Methamphetamine: 1.68 kilograms
- Cocaine: 0.071 kilogram
- Heroin: 0.005 kilogram
In addition, officers recovered:
- 15.3 litres of codeine cough syrup
- 10 cylinders of nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”)
The seizures underscore the diversity of illicit substances circulating within Edo State and the adaptability of trafficking networks to changing market demands.
Three Suspected Drug Warehouses Uncovered
As part of the July operations, NDLEA operatives identified and dismantled three suspected drug storage facilities.
According to the command:
- Two warehouses were located within Benin City.
- One warehouse was uncovered in Illushi.
Authorities believe such facilities play critical roles in storing, repackaging and distributing narcotics before they are transported to various destinations within and outside the state.
Investigations into the ownership and wider criminal networks connected to the warehouses are expected to continue.
Cannabis Farm Destroyed in Orhionmwon Forest
The command also announced the destruction of a cannabis plantation located in the Egbisi Forest of Abudu, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
According to NDLEA estimates, the plantation covered approximately 0.64 hectares and had the capacity to produce about 1,602 kilograms of cannabis.
Officials said destroying cultivation sites remains one of the agency’s most effective strategies for disrupting supply chains before narcotics reach illegal markets.
Vehicles Used for Drug Transportation Intercepted
NDLEA also intercepted two vehicles allegedly used for transporting cannabis.
The vehicles include:
- A Toyota Sienna.
- A Toyota Camry.
Both vehicles have been taken into custody as investigations continue into the identities of individuals connected to the transportation network.
Security experts note that vehicle seizures often provide investigators with valuable intelligence capable of exposing broader trafficking syndicates operating across multiple states.
Four Drug Convictions Recorded
Beyond arrests and seizures, the Edo State Command secured four convictions in notable drug-related cases during the month.
The convictions form part of the agency’s broader effort to ensure that anti-drug operations result not only in arrests but also in successful prosecutions capable of deterring future offenders.
Legal analysts say sustained convictions remain critical to weakening organised criminal enterprises involved in narcotics trafficking.
73 NDLEA Personnel Promoted
The operational achievements coincided with the promotion of 73 officers and personnel within the Edo State Command.
During the decoration ceremony, Commander Ofoyeju congratulated the officers, describing their promotion as recognition of professionalism, integrity and dedication to duty.
He reminded the newly promoted personnel that advancement within the NDLEA is earned through measurable performance rather than automatic progression.
Commander Warns Officers Against Complacency
Addressing the promoted officers, Ofoyeju cautioned that higher ranks come with increased responsibility and public expectations.
He warned that criminal organisations would likely intensify efforts to compromise officers occupying more senior positions.
He urged them to maintain professionalism, integrity and operational discipline while remaining committed to the agency’s anti-drug mandate.
According to him, public confidence in the NDLEA depends largely on the conduct of its personnel.
Drug Abuse Remains a National Security Concern
Nigeria continues to face growing challenges associated with drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Security agencies have repeatedly linked illicit drug consumption to:
- Violent crimes.
- Kidnapping.
- Armed robbery.
- Cultism.
- Human trafficking.
- Terrorism financing.
- Youth unemployment and social instability.
Public health experts also warn that increasing abuse of psychotropic substances and synthetic drugs poses serious long-term health and mental health risks.
Analysts argue that while enforcement remains essential, sustainable solutions must also address poverty, unemployment, addiction treatment, public awareness and rehabilitation programmes.
The Edo State Command’s July operations demonstrate the scale and complexity of Nigeria’s evolving narcotics challenge. While the seizure of over 2.59 tonnes of illicit drugs and the destruction of cannabis cultivation sites represent significant operational successes, the growing proportion of women among those arrested introduces new social dimensions that extend beyond law enforcement.
As the NDLEA intensifies its campaign against drug trafficking, experts contend that meaningful progress will depend on combining robust intelligence-led policing with targeted socio-economic interventions, public education and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at reducing both the supply of and demand for illicit drugs across Nigeria.
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