NDLEA Destroys Over 24,000kg of Skunk in Edo Forests, Arrests Suspects in Nationwide Crackdown

Major Drug Bust in Edo State Forests

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported a significant success in its fight against illicit drug trafficking, destroying over 24,146 kilograms of skunk in various forest locations across Edo State, Nigeria. These operations, conducted in the past week, also led to the arrest of several individuals connected to drug cultivation and distribution.

Details of Edo Operations and Arrests

NDLEA operatives carried out two major destruction exercises in Edo State. On September 23, 2025, a total of 12,115.6 kg of skunk was destroyed on 4.846 hectares of cannabis plantation in Uromi forest, located in Esan West Local Government Area. During this operation, Ernest Uche (44) and Felix Mugorga (31) were arrested, and 345.5 kg of processed cannabis was evacuated.

The following day, September 24, 2025, another 12,031.245 kg of skunk was destroyed on 4.438 hectares of farmland in Ogu forest, Igueben Local Government Area, with 106.1 kg of processed consignment also evacuated. Additionally, on September 26, 2025, NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck along the Wareke–Auchi road in Etsako West Local Government Area, conveying 82 bags of skunk concealed in charcoal sacks, weighing a total of 1,025 kg. Two suspects, Kabiru Abdulahi (35) and Anas Safiyanu (20), were arrested in connection with this seizure.

Broader Nationwide Crackdown

These operations in Edo State are part of a wider, ongoing nationwide crackdown by the NDLEA on illicit drug networks. The agency reported a string of major successes across several states, including:

• Arrest of two notorious drug kingpins, Victor Nwosa (64) and Felix Chika Obiegbu (49), in Lagos, with significant seizures of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
• Interception of drug consignments intended for terrorists and bandits in Borno and Yobe States, leading to arrests and seizure of tramadol and Colorado.
• Multiple arrests and seizures of various illicit substances in Kano, Kaduna, FCT, Ekiti, and Bayelsa States.

NDLEA Reaffirms Commitment

Commenting on the operations, the NDLEA's Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, released a statement detailing the agency's achievements. Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the officers for their professionalism and reiterated the agency's commitment to safeguarding Nigeria. He stated, 'The success of the various operations across the country underscores our commitment to safeguarding Nigeria from illicit substances that threaten public health and national security. Every gram of these dangerous drugs we seize and remove from our streets reinforces our determination to disrupt criminal networks and protect national security.'

The NDLEA continues its balanced strategy of enforcement and advocacy, including sensitization programs under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.